The Gilas Women’s squad suffered a 78-83 setback to the New Zealand Ferns in their battle for a semifinal slot, but earned the admiration of the world on Friday in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Center.
The loss denied the Filipinas a semifinal slot available to the top four finishers, who in turn can join Olympic qualifiers for the Paris Olympics 2024.
As the Ferns advanced to the semifinals and set up a showdown with Japan on Saturday for a finals’ berth, Gilas Women’s coach Patrick Aquino still beamed with pride as the team fought it out until the final four minutes of the contest.
“We did not fall short this time. It was a good game for us. We felt that we can compete with the best of the best in Asia,” said Aquino.
Charlisse Leger-Walker drilled in 34 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals for the Ferns, while Akiene Tera Reed added 23 points and seven rebounds.
The Filipinas stayed close at 74-76, before Leger-Walker and Penina Davidson turned on the heat in the last four minutes.
Leger-Walker drew Angelica Surada to a foul and split her charity shots, allowing the Ferns to slowly move away, 77-74, in the final 3:31.
The Filipinas, who missed three of four crucial attempts in the closing minutes, slipped further behind as Davidson and Leger-Walker continued piercing through the defense, sending the Ferns ahead, 81-74, with 2:45 remaining.
Afril Bernardino delivered 15 points and eight rebounds for the Gilas Women, who will meet the winner between Australia and South Korea in a clash for fifth place on Saturday.
Jhazmin Joson also shot 15 points, while Jack Animam made 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Newbie Vanessa de Jesus, a Duke University standout, was held to just four points.