By REYNALD MAGALLON
With 20 seconds on the clock and down only by one, Gilas Pilipinas Women looked to be on their way of pulling off a massive upset against world No. 8 Brazil. They found three-point specialist Khate Castillo wide open for a trey from the left corner.
She missed and Gilas fell short.
But the Filipinas, No. 40 in the world, were hardly discouraged, knowing full well that they had proven they belong to the world stage after giving Brazil a major scare before absorbing a narrow 77-74 defeat to open their FIBA Women World Cup pre-qualifying tournament at the Kigali Arena in Rwanda on Monday, Aug. 19.
Playing in their first game outside the Asia-Pacific region, the Filipinas were not expected to be competitive against a Top 10 team in the world. But they gave the Brazilians a run for their money, even needing a couple of misses from Gilas late to finally heave a sigh of relief.
Jack Animam was one of the big reasons why Gilas held their ground and even took a lead that went to as high as seven points in the opening frame. She finished with a huge double-double of 18 points and 21 rebounds apart from four blocks.
Animam had ample support with Afril Bernardino and Naomi Panganiban chipping in 14 and 13 points apiece. They also had crucial baskets along with Stefanie Berberabe to keep Gilas within striking distance late.
A triple from Panganiban even gave Gilas a 69-68 lead midway through the fourth before Brazil traded baskets with Gilas for a 74-all count with 1:21 left.
A frantic race ensued in the waning minutes as both teams traded misses before a free throw from Aline Moura gave Brazil a 75-74 cushion. That was when Gilas had the chance to take the win but Castillo missed what was supposed to be the go-ahead basket.
Leticia Soares led Brazil with 15 points while Emanueliy De Oliveira finished with 13.
All is not lost still for Gilas although it is entering its second game on Tuesday, Aug. 20 in dire need of victory against world No. 16 Hungary to keep its semis hopes alive.
