After loss against Australia, Gilas women’s 3×3 bows out of FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup

“A valiant stand by our #GilasPilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team #ParaSaBayan at the 2019 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup. The country appreciates your effort!” (Photo: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas – SBP/Facebook)

Veteran Alice Kunek denied the Philippines’ entry into the semis after firing past the Filipinas’ opening 4-1 lead, finishing with a total of 13 points, including a crucial two-pointer during the last 1:31 of the game. Clare Castro fought back and cut their opponents’ lead, 16-15, but Kunek was also aided by teammate Rebecca Cole who contributed four points. Australians Meadeleine Gerrick and Hanna Zavecz individually chipped two for last year’s overall third-placers. Besides Castro fighting hard during the crucial minutes of the game, Janine Pontejos was the highest-scorer for the Patrick Aquino-led squad at eight points. Afril Bernardo contributed five, while Jack Animam scored two.

After the match, head coach Aquino noted that he is “still so proud of this team,” stating, “We have very limited experience in 3×3 and I don’t think a lot of people expected us to be here. The girls showed that they were not just happy to be in the quarterfinals because they gave Australia a really good fight.” Pontejos also added, “Our experience in the World Cup really helped us out because we learned from our opponents and we were able to use that knowledge here,” while graduating National University (NU) Lady Bulldog Animam chipped, “I hope our performance gets us more opportunities to compete in other 3×3 competitions. I think we showed that we could compete against any team even with our limited experience so we can do even better if in the future.”

In total, the Gilas Filipinas 3×3 women’s team defeated Vanuatu, Sri Lanka, and Samoa, the Samoa victory holding the record for largest winning margin as the Filipinas dominated, 21-1. However, in addition to their loss to Australia, they also struggled 8-20 against Japan.