Gilas Pilipinas Women fell short of a comeback in the fourth quarter after a heartbreking 82-85 loss to Japan in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup on Monday at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in Shenzhen China.
The Japanese were already ahead, 61-83, with roughly five minutes left in the fourth quarter when the Filipina cagers went on an 18-0 run to close the gap, 79-83.
However, Monica Okoye sank two free throws with 12.1 seconds left to give the Japanese some space.
Vanessa De Jesus then buried a triple at the buzzer but it was already too late as Gilas Women absorbed their second straight loss of the tournament.
Maki Takada dropped 20 points as Japan won their second straight game in Group B.
Jack Animam double-double game of 24 points and 14 rebounds went to waste as the Philippines dropped to a 0-2 slate.
Gilas Women will now need to beat Lebanon, which has a similar 0-2 slate, on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. to earn a spot in the playoff round.