Almost, but not quite for Gilas Pilipinas Women

Afril Bernardino led Gilas Pilipinas Women with 21 points
PHOTO: FIBA.BASKETBALL

GILAS Pilipinas Women failed to complete its comeback bid, bowing to Japan Universiade, 85-83, on Monday in the 43rd William Jones Cup in New Taipei City.

Yamada Aoi made two free throws for Japan after drawing a foul on her drive to the basket with 5.3 seconds left to break the tie after the Philippines came back from a 15-point deficit.

Naomi Panganiban, who tied the match with two free throws prior to the Aoi charities, missed the game-winning three as Gilas Women dropped to 1-3, missing out on the chance to capture the title with two games to go in the round-robin tournament.

The Japan team composed of college players remained unbeaten in three games, stepping closer to claiming the title.

The Philippines will face perennial Southeast Asia rival Thailand in its penultimate game on Tuesday.

Afril Bernardino had 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Jack Animam had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Gilas Women.

Khate Castillo had 12 points on four threes, one of which enabled Gilas Women to tie the match at 73-73. Gilas outscored Japan, 27-19, in the fourth but its comeback fell short.

Panganiban, coming off a campaign in the FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup, continued her stellar play in the tournament by chipping in 12 points.

The scores:

Japan 85 – Yumeha 13, Sato 13, Haruka 11, Yuki 10, Aoi 10, Moena 7, Maho 7, Natsuki 6, Haru 5, Mitsusaki 3, Rakuko 0, Reina 0.

Philippines 83 – Bernardino 21, Animam 20, Castillo 12, Panganiban 12, Pontejos 9, Ramos 5, Berberabe 2, Bobadilla 2, Nolasco 0, Ozar 0, Yumul 0, Pagdulagan 0.

Quarters: 27-17; 48-37; 66-56; 85-83.