The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team fought until the final buzzer but they could not complete a comeback, losing 93-71 to South Korea in the quarterfinals of the 19th Asian Games, Monday evening in China. 

With the loss, the Philippines is now out of medal contention in the Women’s 5×5 Basketball Tournament.

Khate Castillo led the way with 18 points built on six 3-pointers. Jack Animam backed her up with a monster 15-point, 14-rebound performance. Afril Bernardino added 12 points and five assists.

Gilas couldn’t get their offense going in the first quarter and fell behind by double-digits early in the game. They found their rhythm in the second quarter and started to chip away at the Koreans’ lead. 

Gilas vets Animam, Bernardino, Castillo and Janine Pontejos all teamed up to get to as close as five points midway through the second period. The Koreans snuffed the Gilas run and re-established a sizeable margin heading into the half.

The Philippines had another run in the third period, this time led by Chack Cabinbin and Louna Ozar. They were able to trim a 22-point deficit down to 11 points. Unfortunately, that was as close as they could get. 

Gilas Women end their Asian Games run in fifth place with a 2-2 record.