Gilas settles for 6th place in FIBA Women's Asia Cup after falling short vs. SoKor in consolation game

Gilas still held their heads high despite losing in the end. FIBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Gilas Pilipinas' campaign in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup ended on a sad note on Saturday after losing to South Korea, 71-80, in the fifth place game at the State Sports Centre in Sydney.

A show of might in the second and third quarters turned out to be enough for the Koreans as Gilas' fourth quarter comeback fell short.

After trailing, 18-19, in the first quarter, South Korea responded with a 26-15 second quarter before keeping in step with Gilas' offense in the third to open a 66-55 lead entering the fourth.

Gilas, however, started the final frame on a strong and came to within three, 68-71, with 4:32 remaining.

But Kang Lee-Seul fired a back breaking three with 3:59 left that sparked South Korea's endgame push to seal the win.

Park Ji-Hyun led South Korea with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists, and four steals, while Kim Dan-Bi added 14 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

Shin Ji-Hyun and Park Ji-Su each chipped in 11 points with Park also grabbing 16 rebounds for the double-double.

Afril Bernardino led Gilas with 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Vanessa De Jesus' first stint with Gilas ended on a second straight playoff game struggle as she was held to just five points on 2-of-13 field goals, although she too had four rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Despite the defeat, Gilas' sixth-place finish is its best ever since getting promoted to Division A in 2015.

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