Gilas Women lose out on Fiba Asia U18 Division A promotion with semis setback
Gilas Pilipinas Women
MANILA, Philippins–The Philippines faltered late against Malaysia in overtime and suffered a heartbreaking 66-65 loss in the final four of the Fiba U18 Women’s Asian Championship Division B in India.
The loss denied the Gilas Pilipinas women’s youth team a chance at gaining promotion to Division A, where the top nations of the continent play.
Kate Bobadilla hit a tough layup under duress to give the Nationals a slim 65-64 lead with 40 ticks left in overtime but Malaysia’s Sammi Tan hit a floater and converted the and-one play to put her country ahead, 66-65, with 10 seconds remaining.
Bobadilla had another chance to regain the lead—this time for good—but the layup was a tad too strong to hit the bottom of the net as the Philippines fell painstakingly short of advancing to a championship duel.
Bobadilla led the way for Gilas with 19 points that came with nine boards and two assists.
Ashley Loon, who also had a chance to help the Nationals pad the lead in the dying moments of the game, added 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Philippines also swept the group stage of the U16 showcase in Jordan last June, only to bow down to eventual winner Samoa in the semifinals.
Jia Huey Yun and Xiao Qi Teh combined for 27 points for the Malaysians who will play the winner of Samoa and Mongolia.
The Philippines will be taking on the loser of that same duel in the battle for third slated this Sunday.
