Japanese send Gilas girls packing

Gilas Pilipinas’ title quest came to a screeching halt following a 74-94 setback to Japan in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Taipei Peace Basketball Stadium in Taipei last Saturday.

Veteran Maika Miura was impressive, posting 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists for the Japanese, who picked up their fourth straight win of the tournament.

The Filipinas, on the other hand, bombed out of contention after suffering their third loss in four matches in this annual invitational tourney.

Actually, Gilas Women were off to a hot start.

They built an early 12-point lead and were even on top midway through the third quarter, 58-54. But the Japanese, behind hot-shooting Suzuno Higachi, ignited a 10-0 run to gain the upper hand that demoralized Gilas Pilipinas entering the fourth quarter.

The Japanese dictated the tempo from there, outsourcing the Filipinas, 50-28, in the final two quarters to secure the win that added to their success against Thailand, South Korea and Chinese Taipei’s collegiate team.

Azusa Asahina, Suzuno Higuchi, Haru Owaki and Ufuoma Tanaka each dropped 11 points apiece for Japan, who shot 25-of-35 from two-point range while burying 11-of-13 free throws.

On the other hand, Jack Animam was the lone bright spot with 21 points and 16 rebounds for the Filipinas, who will wrap up their campaign Taiwanese squad WUG CTUSF Training on Sunday.

Gilas Women are competing in the Jones Cup as part of their preparation for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup from 13 to 20 July in Shenzhen, China.