Japan hands Gilas Women first Asiad defeat

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1) – Gilas Women on Sunday suffered their first loss to the dominant Japan, 96-59, during the 5x5 women’s basketball tournament at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Japan started off strong with a sharp offense, landing six three-pointers out of nine and a 68% field goal percentage in the first quarter.

By the end of the second quarter, Japan had nearly double the score of Gilas, closing out at 50-26.

They maintained this pace versus the Filipino cagers through the third and fourth quarters, ending the match with a 37-point lead.

Janina Pontejos led the Pinoy pack with 13 points and three rebounds. Jack Animam also stood out with nine markers and seven rebounds.

On the opposing team, Aika Hirashita showed off with 26 points and two rebounds. Another 17 points and three rebounds came from Hayashi Saki.

Despite the loss, the ladies qualified for the quarterfinals of the quadrennial games on Oct. 2, but their next opponent has not yet been determined.

Gilas Women’s record in the 19th Asiad now stands at two wins and one loss.

They first dominated Kazakhstan, 83-59, on Sept. 27, then continued its onslaught by beating Hong Kong, 99-63, on Sept. 29, before Japan halted its momentum.