By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas came close at pulling off a massive upset but just couldn’t get the job done against New Zealand, absorbing a heartbreaking 83-78 loss to bow out of contention in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre in Australia on Friday, June 30.
Expected to get run over by the higher-ranked Tall Ferns, Gilas held its ground and gave New Zealand a run for its money, even taking the lead early in the final frame before ultimately losing steam in the waning minutes.
Carlisle Legger-Walker proved to be the biggest thorn to the side of the Filipinas as she exploded for 34 points, none bigger than her two crucial layups that sparked an 11-6 finishing kick that created the separation for the Kiwis.
She was amply supported by forward Akienne Tera Reed who finished with 22 points.
Brimming with confidence after its first win in the Asia Cup group stage last time out, the Filipinas hung around the Kiwis in the first half before a blistering 9-0 spurt to open the third frame gave Gilas a 50-45 lead.
New Zealand fought back and engaged Gilas to a nip-and-tuck affair before unleashing the telling run in the final frame to book a ticket to the World Cup qualifier.
Jhaz Joson, who was one of the biggest reasons why Gilas stayed within striking distance in the first half, shared the scoring honors with Afril Bernardino with 15 points.
Jack Animam also added 14 as the troika anchored the 28-point third quarter explosion that allowed Gilas to take a slim 69-68 lead heading into the final frame.
