Gilas Girls bow to Koreans, go 0-2 in FIBA U18 Asia Cup

October 6 ------ The Gilas Pilipinas Girls squad got off to a good start but eventually lost its steam and bowed to South Korea, 86-70, to remain winless in the Division A FIBA Women’s U18 Asia Cup at the Karisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia.

Coming from a huge 47-102 demolition by Australia, the Nationals came out inspired and went toe-to-toe against their rivals with Tiffany Reyes and Rhiane Perez leading the way, closing out the opening frame with 17-18 on the scoreboard. However, the tempo dramatically changed in the second frame as the South Koreans, sparked by hot-shooting duo of Yeonseo Lim and Sohee Lee, began their assault and outscored the Filipina cagers to seize a 48-32 lead entering the break which proved to be enough despite Gilas’ fightback in the second half.

With its loss, Gilas Girls absorbed their second loss in as many games in Group A and will try to bounce back on Tuesday, Oct. 6, against fellow winless New Zealand (0-2). South Korea (2-0), on the other hand, battles Australia (2-0) for the group lead also on Tuesday.

Perez topscored for the Philippines with 21 points on top of six rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal, while Ruiza Olmos and Grace Curley chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively. Reyes, for her part, collected 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, one block, and two steals in a losing cause. Lim starred for Korea after posting 30 points, one rebound, six assists, and three steals, while Lee backed her up with 25 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.

Source: mb.com.ph