Gilas Pilipinas Women succumbs to Japan in Jones Cup clash

The national women’s basketball team failed to complete its comeback bid as it ultimately ran out of steam following a two-point loss to Japan Universiade, 85-83, in the 2024 William Jones Cup in Taiwan on Monday evening, July 8.

The loss sent the Filipina cagers to a 1-2 win-loss card and are currently in fourth place, while the Japanese team kept its record unblemished at 3-0.

Afril Bernardino starred for the Philippines yet again, putting up 21 points, and 11 rebounds, while Jack Animam finished with 20 markers and finished with the same number of boards.

Naomi Panganiban and Khate Castillo also displayed brilliance in their playoffs as the duo finished with 12 points each.

Yamada Aoi, meanwhile, 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.

Gilas will look to bounce back once more when it takes Thailand on Tuesday, July 9.