Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Jack Animam. Photo from FIBA Basketball.The Gilas Pilipinas women’s basketball squad was handed a rude welcome in their 2025 William Jones Cup opener.
The Nationals were defeated by Chinese Taipei, 85-59, during their Wednesday night clash in New Taipei City.
Jack Animam tallied an 18-point, nine-rebound game with three assists and two steals in the loss, while Naomi Panganiban scattered 11 markers, three boards, two dimes, and two steals.
Ella Fajardo contributed 10 points, while Vanessa de Jesus and Sumayah Sugapong each scored seven markers each.
Unfortunately, these numbers went for naught as Gilas was dominated well in the rebounding and assists departments.
The Philippines were outrebounded, 47-38 (15-14 off), and they also allowed the hosts to post 27 assists to their 13.
It was also only a relatively close encounter at halftime, with Taipei leading 39-35, but they pulled away in the third canto by putting 24 on the board while also limiting the Filipinas to 11.
This continued in the last canto, 22-19, and it was eventually all Taipei needed to get the victory.
Sidney Cooks led Taipei with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Gilas will look to bounce back on Thursday, July 3, 4:00 p.m., when they face Thailand.