(CNN Philippines, June 27) — Five-time defending champion Japan dealt Gilas Pilipinas Women a 95-57 beatdown in the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup at Australia’s Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre Tuesday.
Vanessa de Jesus anchored the Philippines’ offense again, tallying 12 points and four assists.
Gilas Women had a good start, leading by two points early in the first quarter.
But Japan’s championship composure was too much for the Philippines to handle as the reigning Olympic silver medalists mounted a huge lead and never looked back.
Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos were the other Gilas Women players who scored in double digits with 12 points and 11 points, respectively.
The Philippines dropped to 0-2 in the team standings while Japan remained unbeaten.
Himawari Akaho registered a game-high 16 points along with four rebounds and two assists for Japan.
