Gilas belles satisfied with Jones Cup effort

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas covered another base in a serious build-up for the coming Asian Games with a decent campaign in the return of the William Jones Cup at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.

The Nationals finished only fifth out of six teams but succeeded in gauging their preparedness with close duels against the best clubs and national squads in Asia.

Gilas’ lone win came against Iran, 64-58, but it stood tall against eventual Jones Cup champion Chanson V-Magic of Japan, 95-88, in the final playdate.

The Filipina dribblers even managed to hold a 69-65 lead against the multiple Women’s Japan B-League champion entering the payoff period before losing steam.

Gilas suffered just one double-digit loss against Chinese Taipei B, 94-83, as it went toe-to-toe with Chinese Taipei A, 89-85, and South Korea’s Busan BNK Sum, 65-59, for a 1-4 slate.

“This was an overwhelming success for us as the tournament served as the benchmark in our team’s progress. Having to see new faces and mixing with our veterans made valuable strides for our team’s future,” head coach Pat Aquino told The STAR.