Gilas women’s gets beating from New Zealand in Jones Cup opener

FILE – Gilas women’s star Afril Bernardino. FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas women’s team suffered a brutal 106-72 loss to New Zealand to open its campaign in the 2019 William Jones Cup at Xinzhuang Gym in New Taipei City on Wednesday.

There was nothing much the Philippines could do after trailing 25-14 in the first quarter and that deficit ballooned to 20, 59-39, heading into the break.

Afril Bernardino led Gilas, who is gearing up for the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup, and Southeast Asian Games, with 20 points while Kelli Hayes added 17 points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc.

Micaela Cocks put up 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, to lead New Zealand while Stella Beck had 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

New Zealand also outrebounded the Philippines, 39-19.

The Philippines will next face Japan in the tournament.