MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup ended on a sad note on Saturday after it bowed to South Korea, 71-80, in the battle for fifth place at State Sports Centre in Sydney.
A show of might in the second and third quarters turned out to be enough for the Koreans as Gilas’ fourth-quarter comeback fell short.
After trailing, 18-19, in the first quarter, South Korea responded with a 26-15 second quarter before keeping in step with Gilas’ offense in the third to open a 66-55 lead entering the fourth.
Gilas started the final frame strong and came to within three, 68-71, with 4:32 remaining.
But Kang Lee-Seul fired a back-breaking three with 3:59 left that sparked South Korea’s endgame push to seal the win.
Park Ji-Hyun led South Korea with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists, and four steals, while Kim Dan-Bi added 14 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
Shin Ji-Hyun and Park Ji-Su each chipped in 11 points with Park also grabbing 16 rebounds for the double-double.
Afril Bernardino led Gilas with 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
California-born Filipino Vanessa De Jesus’ first stint with Gilas ended on a second straight playoff game struggle as she was held to just five points on 2-of-13 field goals, although she too had four rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Despite the defeat, Gilas’ sixth-place finish is its best since getting promoted to Division A in 2015.
Meanwhile, it’s going to be Japan versus China in the final after scoring blowout wins in the semifinals.
Japan crushed New Zealand, 88-52, in the first semifinal, while China took down host Australia, 74-60, in the other Final 4 tie.
New Zealand and Australia will first dispute the bronze on Sunday before Japan and China go at it for the championship. (PNA)
