Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Vanessa De Jesus during their game against Australia in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup. –FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Australia buried Gilas Pilipinas Women early and never looked back.
The Opals overwhelmed Gilas, 115-39, in both squads’ first game of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup for Women on Sunday at Shenzen Sports Center in Shenzen, China.
SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas Women at 2025 Fiba Asia Cup
The Australians raced to a 22-9 start, setting the tone for a dominant 31-14 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.
By halftime, Australia had stretched its lead to 53-25, thanks to Sara Blicavs, who tallied 12 points in the first half. She finished with 17 points and six rebounds.
Gilas women, which struggled in the 2025 William Jones Cup two weeks ago, never tasted the lead against Australians.
No one on the Gilas side was able to breach double digits.
Gilas Pilipinas Women during their game against Australia in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup. –FIBA PHOTO
Vanessa De Jesus led the Philippines with nine points, three rebounds, and an assist. Kent Pastrana and Naomi Panganiban added eight points apiece, while Jack Animam was limited to just two points and five rebounds.
Miela Goodchild and Chloe Bibby backed up Blicavs with 19 and 16 points, respectively, in the blowout win.
Japan also joined the win column of Group B after beating Lebanon, 72-68.
The Japanese will be Gilas’ next assignment on Monday at 7:30 pm.
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