Philippines stumble versus Australia in Asia Cup for Women

Lauren Richardson

The Philippines' struggles in the FIBA Asia Cup for Women continued on Tuesday night, as they bowed to Australia at the Prince Hamza Arena, 120-56.

The Opals made things difficult for Gilas Women from the get-go, scoring the first eleven points of the game and never looked back, eventually erecting a 64-point lead at the final buzzer.

Much like Pinays on Monday, they were totally dominated by their opposition in many categories, including a 68-25 disadvantage in rebounding that led to a 44-18 disparity in points in the paint. The 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup hosts also netted 34 free throws off 25 fouls.

With such dominance, the Aussies had the chance to get to field meaningful for the younger members in the side, which includes U19 Gems standouts Jade Melbourne and Abigail Wehrung, as well as Nebraska sophomore Jaz Shelley.

Lauren Nicholson led all scorers with 21 points, including 4/5 from beyond the arc. Keeley Froling added 19 to pair with her thirteen rebounds.

New York Liberty standout Sami Whitcomb netted a near-triple-double performance with eight points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in just under fifteen minutes. The Opals skipper added three steals and a block to cap an all-around performance.

Janine Pontejos led the Philippines with thirteen points, with youth standout Kristine Cayabyab the only other player in double figures with ten markers.

The Opals are set to tangle with China at 9pm tonight for the right to finish atop Group B, whilst Gilas Women will face Chinese-Taipei at midnight to determine which team will enter the crossover quarterfinals.