Almost, but not quite for Gilas Women in Asia Cup

By Peter Atencio

THE Gilas Women’s squad suffered a 78-83 setback to the New Zealand Ferns in their battle for a semifinal slot, but earned the admiration of the world on Friday in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Center.

The loss denied the Filipinas a semifinal slot available to the top four finishers, who in turn can join Olympic qualifiers for the Paris Olympics 2024.

As the Ferns advanced to the semifinals and set up a showdown with Japan on Saturday for a finals’ berth, Gilas Women’s coach Patrick Aquino still beamed with pride as the team fought it out until the final four minutes of the contest.

“We did not fall short this time. It was a good game for us. We felt that we can compete with the best of the best in Asia,” said Aquino.