NAGOYA, Japan — The Gilas Pilipinas women’s basketball team suffered its first setback in the 20th Asian Games, falling to tournament powerhouse Japan, 89-67, in their Group B finale on Tuesday, September 22.
The host nation, reigning silver medalists in the event, established early control with sharp perimeter shooting and high-tempo play, racing to a 24-11 lead by the end of the opening quarter.
Gilas struggled to recover from the sluggish start as Japan maintained double-digit control throughout the contest to claim the top seed in the group.
Miyu Okamoto set the tone for Japan with a game-high 19 points, scoring 11 in the opening frame, while Ami Tsuneta contributed 18 points powered by four three-pointers.
Naturalized player Elizabeth Means paced the Filipinas with 16 points, while veteran contributors Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.
With the loss, Gilas concluded the group stage in second place with a 2-1 record behind the undefeated Japanese squad (3-0).
The Philippine team now awaits the completion of the remaining group matches to determine its quarterfinal opponent.