By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas Women suffered another embarrassment when it lost to Chinese Taipei, 93-52, at the close of the preliminary round in the FIBA Asia Cup at the Prince Hamza Hall in Ammam, Jordan on Wednesday, Sept. 29 (Thursday, Sept 30 Manila Time).
Not even an inspired game from Gilas guard Afril Bernardino, who finished with a double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds, could prevent the Taiwanese from handing the Nationals a 41-point beatdown.
With the win, Chinese Taipei finished third in Group A and set up a semis date with South Korea while the defeat relegated the Gilas belles to classification match against India with the winner finishing seventh.
The Taiwanese drained seven triples in the third frame to create the much-needed separation following a gallant stand from the Filipina dribblers in the first half who trailed by 15, 45-30, at the half.
Chinese Taipei exploded for 31 points in that blistering run in the third as their lead ballooned to 76-41 heading into the final quarter.
The Taiwanese also led in the assist department with 33 as compared to Gilas’ 10. Gilas was also limited to a measly 2-of-14 shooting from the three-point line as compared to Chinese Taipei’s 15-of-41 shooting.
Wen Yu Lin led Chinese Taipei with 19 points, spiked by five treys, to go with her four rebounds. She was backstopped by I-Hsiu Cheng with 14 markers.
Castro was the only one who provided support for Bernardino with 12 points and six boards as only six players scored for the Philippine side.
