Gilas Women lose big to Australia in Fiba Asia Cup, Vanessa de Jesus scores 18 in debut
Gilas Pilipinas Women at the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup. FIBA ASIA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-Already undersized, the Philippines struggled with frosty shooting all of Monday night to absorb a 105-34 whipping at the hands of host Australia in the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup.
Gilas Pilipinas shot a horrendous 12 of 62 from the field for its worst loss against the Opals, who delighted the home crowd at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.
Duke playmaker Vanessa de Jesus was the lone Filipino to reach twin digits, finishing 18 points in her national program debut.
Veterans Afril Bernardino and Chack Cabinbin combined for eight points while Camille Clarin and Angel Surada had three points each in the defeat.
Vanessa De Jesus was the lone bright spot for Gilas Pilipinas Women against mighty Australia at the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup. FIBA ASIA PHOTO
Things won’t be any easier for the Nationals who will take Japan, the six-time winner of the continental showcase, in a quick turnaround this Tuesday 11:30 a.m. (Manila time).
Darcee Garbin and Lauren Scherf, members of the Aussie team which won the bronze medal in the previous staging of the tournament, put up 18 and 17 points, respectively.
Four more finished in double digits for the Opals, who gained a share of Group B lead with Japan which thrashed Chinese-Taipei earlier in the day.
Gilas will take on the Taiwanese this Wednesday and will try to avoid relegation from the tournament that will send four nations to the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for the Paris Summer Olympic Games.
