The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s National Team played catch up until the last four minutes before taking a 71-80 loss to South Korea on Saturday to settle for sixth place in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023 in at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Center.
A split free throw from Vanessa de Jesus in the last 3:08 saw the Filipinas still in the thick of the fight with the Koreans leading by just five, 71-76.
But after missing three big attempts in the waning minutes, the Koreans went on to claim fifth place, their worst finish since 1965.
Ji Jyun Park topscored for the Koreans with 24 points while Danbi shot 14 points.
Afril Bernardino unloaded 16 points and nine rebounds for the Filipinas, who refused to let Korea take a double-digit lead in the final period.
Jack Animam and Khate Castillo knocked 12 points for the Filipinas, who claimed one of their best finishes since 1984 when they finished in the fourth spot that year.
Coach Patrick Aquino commended the team for managing Korea’s lead, and not letting it go beyond 10 points.
“We fell short. But, still, I’m proud of the girls. They never gave up. I think the gaps are really closing for us. And I hope they continue doing this in the future when we come back,” Aquino said.
After the Filipinas rallied to within five points, Park scored on a layup, while Jisu Park also penetrated to put the Koreans ahead, 80-71, with 1:21 left.
Jisu and Jihyun Shin made 11 points apiece for the Koreans.
