Gilas women's gallant stand not enough vs Australia Opals

MANILA, Philippines — A better outing from Gilas Pilipinas women was not enough against Australia as they suffered their second loss, 120-56, at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Amman, Jordan on Tuesday (early Wednesday, Manila time).

The Filipinas were able to play at pace with the Opals in the opening quarter when they recovered to trail by just 12, 32-20, after giving up a 0-11 start.

Gilas made most of their shots from deep to keep themselves within striking distance.

But a second quarter where the Opals amped up their offense and outscored Gilas, 32-13, blew the game wide open.

Lauren Nicholson, who plays for the Australian WNBL, paced the Opals with 21 points and six rebounds.

Keely Jane Froling backed her up with 18 markers.

For her part, Janine Pontejos paced Gilas women 13 points, while Afril Bernardino had eight points and three rebounds.

Kristine Cayabyab also scattered 10 markers.

Gilas women will go against Chinese Taipei again on Wednesday (Thursday midnight, Manila time).

They hope to get at least one win in their group to avoid having to play a relegation match against the lowest-ranked team in the tournament's other group.

The Scores:

AUSTRALIA 120 — Nicholson 21, Froling 18, Garbin 12, Sharp 12, Scherf 12, Shelley 10, Melbourne 9, Whitcomb 8, Mangakahia 7, Aokuso 4, Wehrung 4, Wallace 3 

PHILIPPINES 56 — Pontejos 13, Cayabyab 10, Bernardino 8, Nabalan 8, Castillo 6, Clarin 6, Castro 3, Cabinbin 2, Tongco 0, Fajardo 0, Prado 0.

Quarters: 32-20, 64-33, 91-46, 120-56.