History beckons as Gilas faces Korea

Gilas Pilipinas Women aim to make history as they face South Korea in the playoff round of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Friday at the Shenzhen Sports Center in Shenzhen, China.

Action starts at 7:30 p.m. with the Filipinas hoping to sustain their momentum for a win that will send them to the semifinals of this prestigious continental tourney for the first time ever.

After a slow start, Gilas Women finally pulled off a win as they beat Lebanon, 73-70, to earn a slot in the playoff round and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.

Naomi Panganiban led the charge with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists while skipper Jack Animam had a double-double outing of 14 points and 16 rebounds for Gilas, which drew impressive numbers from Sumayah Sugapong to keep its spot in the Division A.

Still, Gilas head coach Patrick Aquino believes that his girls are still hungry as they won only one of their first three matches in Group B.

“We’re glad to be competing and not just staying here in Division A. But, we still have to improve more,” Aquino, whose wards opened their campaign with a tough 39-115 loss to Australia on Sunday followed by a slim 82-85 decision against Japan on Monday, said.

“And we hope we level up again — soon.”

But pulling off an upset of the Koreans, who fashion a 2-1 win-loss record in Group A, will be easier said than done.

Ranked in ninth place in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) standing, South Korea is considered as one of the favorites in the Asia Cup together with powerhouses Japan, China and Australia.

Also, the same Korean team defeated Gilas Women, 80-55, in the 44th William Jones Cup last 4 July at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium in Taipei.

Jihyun Park is expected to run the show for South Korea after averaging 16 points, 4.7 rebounds, and four assists in three games along with Isaem Choi, who has an average of 15.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Animam believes that having their backs against the wall only makes them stronger despite being one of the youngest teams in the Asia Cup.

“I just told my team that the game is gonna be hard, but all I asked from us is our effort and to take pride in what we do. We’re really the underdogs and the youngest team here,” the 6-foot-5 forward said.

“I mean, I’m the second oldest. I’m only 26, imagine how older my teammates are. So, really, what more could you ask for? I just told them that we just have to fight.”