The Gilas Pilipinas Women suffered another defeat in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 after their dramatic comeback against Japan failed. They fell to an 0-2 record after an 85-82 loss at the Shenzhen Sports Center on Monday.
Despite going on an 18-0 run in the final half of the game, the Philippines still fell short. Jack Animam led the Gilas offense with his 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Vanessa de Jesus (13 pts), Naomi Panganiban (13 pts), and Sumayah Sugapong (12 pts) also contributed.
From Japan's 21-point lead, Gilas reduced it with the remaining five minutes of the game. With the help of De Jesus, Animam, Surada, and Panganiban, they were able to reduce the lead to three points.
In the end, Kacey Dela Rosa's three-pointer that would have tied the game was missed. De Jesus' buzzer-beater shot was not enough for Japan to catch up.
Gilas will try to get a win in their next match against Lebanon on Wednesday, July 16, 1:30 p.m. to avoid ending the group stage without a win.
