By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas Women fell short in their comeback bid as Japan escaped with an 85-83 decision in the 35th Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City on Monday, July 8.
The Filipinas erased a 10-point deficit in the final frame behind Afril Bernardino and Jack Animam but the Japanese displayed great poise with point guard Aoi Yamada scoring the go-ahead free throws with 5.3 seconds left.
Gilas still had a shot at victory in the final possession but Naomi Panganiban was forced to take a triple against two Japanese defenders with the shot clock running out.
The Nationals absorbed their second loss in three games and are currently at the fourth spot of the standings while Japan, composed of its Universiade team, kept its record unblemished with a 3-0 slate.
Bernardino paced Gilas Women with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds – including the two free throws that knotted the game at 83-all with 25.4 seconds left. However, it was her who was called for a foul on the next play, sending Yamada to the foul line for the marginal free throws.
Jack Animam also had her best game so far with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Panganiban and Khate Castillo, who had two big triples in the final frame, finished with 12 apiece.
Japan’s former U19 player Takako Sato and Yuka Fujisawa led the way for the Akatsuki with 13 points each while Azusa Asahina and Yamada had 10 apiece.
Gilas tries to get back on track when it takes on the Thailand national team on Tuesday, July 9.
