Gilas Women yield to New Zealand, bow out of Fiba Asia Cup winless

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines failed to advance to the knockout stage after losing to New Zealand, 75-57, to stay winless in the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup Thursday at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, India.

Gilas Women finished their campaign with a 0-3 record in Group B, losing all their matches by an average of 43.67 points.

Janine Pontejos had 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field,and seven rebounds to lead the Philippines while Afril Bernardino added 12 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

The Philippines still held a one-point lead, 15-14, at the end of the first quarter but New Zealand staged a 12-4 run just before the halftime break for a 36-28 advantage and never looked back.

New Zealand led by as much as 20, 75-55, on free throws from Stella Beck with 1:40 to play.

Boagni finished with 16 points and five rebounds to lead New Zealand, which finished third in the group and will face the either Japan or South Korea in the quarterfinals, while Natalie Taylor added 14 points and three steals.