FILE–Gilas Pilipinas Women at the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup. FIBA ASIA PHOTO
Gilas Pilipinas Women faltered late against Chinese-Taipei A and absorbed an 89-85 setback to open their campaign in the 42nd Jones Cup on Saturday night.
After a wobbly first quarter, the Philippines made things interesting and forged an 83-all deadlock with a minute left in the contest at Taipei Peace Basketball Hall.
Veteran Afril Bernardino, however, muffed a second free throw that would’ve given the Nationals the lead, effectively giving the enemy the breathing room they needed to fasten the triumph.
Janine Pontejos led the way for Gilas Pilipinas Women with 19 points, while newcomer Kacey dela Rosa chipped in 17 points that went with seven boards.
Fellow Gilas cornerstone Jack Danielle Animam added 13 points, five boards, and four steals while Asia Cup revelation Jhaz Joson chipped in 13 points.
Bernardino finished with four points and five rebounds.
Chen Yanyu delivered 20 points for the hosts, while Lin Yuting, Zheng Yixiu, and Chen Wei’an all finished with at least 13 points for a rousing debut in front of the home crowd.
Coach Pat Aquino and his charges will have a quick turnaround as they play Iran at 3 p.m. this Sunday.