Two Gilas Women’s teams failed to advance to the knockout stage of the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Manila on Friday evening.
The Manila Gilas team lost against Warsaw (Poland), 14-9, and against Team USA, 21-12. Meanwhile, the main Gilas Pilipinas squad also suffered the same fate, losing against Germany, 14-9, and Team USA, 21-10.
Manila Gilas Stumbles in Qualifying Round
Bannered by Afril Bernardino, sisters Kaye and Ann Pingol, and Sam Harada, the Manila Gilas team had a rough outing in its first assignment as the Polish side dictated the pace behind its size and physical advantage, making life difficult for the home team throughout the contest.
Bernardino tried to keep Manila Gilas within striking distance with 4 points, while Kaye Pingol added 3 points. Despite several aggressive drives and hustle plays, the Filipinas struggled to consistently penetrate Warsaw’s defense.
Playing in front of their home crowd at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, the local squad displayed better rhythm in its second game against powerhouse Team USA, managing to stay competitive in the early stages.
However, the Americans eventually took control behind the strong performances of Joyce Edwards, Milaysia Fulwiley, and Mikaylah Williams to secure the victory.
Bernardino once again led the fight for Manila Gilas as the Philippine side showed improved chemistry and confidence against one of the tournament favorites.
Main Gilas Women’s Squad Also Falls Short
The second Gilas Women team likewise failed to advance to the knockout stage after going winless in pool play.
This time, the squad was composed of players with international 3-on-3 experience as Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Gabi Bade, and Camille Clarin represented the national team.
In their first match against Germany, the Filipinas saw offensive struggles haunt Gilas throughout the game as the squad converted only 8-of-24 attempts from the field while missing all six of its 2-point shots.
Cacho and Clarin paced the Philippines with 3 points apiece, but Germany maintained control for most of the match behind its efficient inside scoring and defensive pressure.
Much like the Manila Gilas team, the main squad also showed more promise in its second assignment against Team USA.
Gilas Pilipinas at one point had an 8-6 advantage midway through the contest. The Americans, however, quickly shifted momentum after unleashing a decisive 9-1 run powered by Edwards and Williams.
Williams eventually buried the game-clinching two-pointer with 1:24 remaining as Team USA pulled away for a 21-10 triumph.
Ferrer led the Filipinas with four points, while Cacho contributed three markers in the losing effort.
No Philippine Team Advances
With both Gilas Women squads unable to register a win, the Philippines failed to send a team into Friday’s knockout stage of the tournament.
Team USA swept both the qualifying draw and pool play to advance comfortably to the next round alongside Germany. Other teams that topped their respective groups included Beijing of China, Lithuania, and Azerbaijan’s Neftchi SOCAR.
Edwards of Team USA, Brianna Fraser of Neftchi SOCAR, and Zhang Zhiting of Beijing emerged as the leading scorers of the group stage with 18 points each.
