Gilas Women Resilient In Near Win Battle For Semis Against New Zealand

It was a valiant effort for Gilas Women as they bowed to New Zealand 83 - 78 in the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA Women's World Cup in Sydney, Australia.

The Tall Ferns began their scoring salvo with a Penina Davidson jump hook at 7:23 in the opening quarter. New Zealand was still leading until Vanessa De Jesus made a crucial jump shot 0.4 seconds left in the second quarter with the Philippines still down 45 - 41 at half time.

The third quarter was pretty much a dog fight. It was the Filipinas hustle and defense that kept them afloat. Janine Pontejos's three pointer gave Gilas a major boost to take the lead 45 - 46 at 9:16 in the third period.

Jack Animam and Afril Bernardino joined the scoring party for Gilas Women to keep some distance from the Kiwis.

New Zealand took the lead back, 54 - 53, with a Charlisse Leger-Walker three at 5:14 in the third quarter. Gilas Women once again got the lead, 59 - 60, via a Jack Animam layup at the 3:20 mark.

Afril Bernardino basket extended Gilas Women's lead to 69 but Charlisse Leger-Walker had other plans and answered back with a jumpshot of her own, ending the third quarter at 68 - 69.  

Gilas Women were suddenly having problems shooting the ball in the fourth quarter. Add to that, center Jack Animam got into foul trouble, thus giving New Zealand an edge in rebounds.

With the Philippines going for a much smaller lineup, Charlisse Leger-Walker took advantage of it and began scoring in the paint.

The Tall Ferns shooting guard wasn't done inflicting more damage to Gilas Women's armor as she made a key layup with 2:45 left in the clock, putting them ahead at 81 - 74.

Afril Bernardino somehow got into a scoring spurt again in the dying seconds of the game but it was just a little too late.

In a losing effort, Afril Berardino finished with 15 points, 8 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks for Gilas Women. Jhazmin Joson came off the bench with 15 points, and grabbed 1 rebound.

Center Jack Animam had another double-double performance with 14 points, 11 rebounds and had 1 block.

Charlisse Leger-Walker lead all scorers for New Zealand with 34 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. Akiene Tera Reed added 23 points, grabbed 7 boards, 1 assist.

Despite the loss, Gilas Pilipinas Women remains in Division A.

The Philippines play Korea next in the Classification Match of the tournament on Saturday, July 1.