Despite better start, Gilas falls to Australia in WAC action

Lauren Nicholson helped Australia take down Gilas. FIBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas had a better start to its FIBA Women's Asia Cup game early Wednesday (Philippine Time), but the team still got clobbered by Australia and lost, 120-56, at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall in Amman.

The Aussies waxed hot early on with an 11-0 run to start the game, but the Filipinas did not waver the rest of the first period and were just behind by 10, 20-30, late in the quarter.

Australia, the world number three women's basketball team right now, then exerted its might in the final three quarters, holding Gilas to just 36 points the rest of the way.

Lauren Nicholson and Keely Froling each scored 21 points to lead Australia, which tied China at the top of Group A at 2-0.

China, which two nights ago swamped Gilas by 91 points, walloped Chinese Taipei, 124-50, in the other Group A.

Janine Pontejos fired 13 points on three triples, one rebound, one assist, and one steal for Gilas, which will face Chinese Taipei at midnight Thursday (Philippine Time) for a spot in the quarterfinals.

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