As China celebrated its first FIBA Women’s Asia Cup title conquest in 12 years, Gilas Women’s coach Patrick Aquino expressed confidence that Team Philippines will be back stronger in two years.
Aquino said this after the Filipinas finished sixth place, bowing to Korea in a 71-80 loss on Saturday at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Center.
“It’s about confidence in competing. And that’s what I always say to the girls,” said Aquino.
The Filipinas went on to claim one of their best finishes since 1984, when they emerged fourth that year.
Aquino believes that a new generation of players will be able to help the Filipinas have a better showing the next time they join.
“We came here to compete, not just to play the relegation games. I think the girls were prepared,” added Aquino.
During the tournament, Afril Bernardino emerged as among the top performers with her averages of 13 points and 7.6 rebounds, followed by Vanessa de Jesus, who normed 12.8 points, and 1.8 rebounds.
China, which has not won a crown since 2011, beat Japan, 73-71, in the finals, in front of a sold-out Sydney crowd.
Xu Han was simply unstoppable for China with 26 points.
Alice Kunek had 19 points in helping Australia take the bronze with its 81-59 win over New Zealand.
The event also served to confirm the Asia entries to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments next year, with China, Japan Australia and New Zealand all punching their respective tickets to stay on course in their bids to make it to the Paris 2024 Olympics.