MANILA, Philippines – The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team looked poised to reach the quarterfinals of the 2019 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup despite splitting their assignments in the pool round in Changsha, China on Friday, May 24.

Sweeping the qualifying draw, Gilas absorbed its first loss of the tournament at the hands of Japan, 8-20, before venting its frustrations on Sri Lanka, 21-6, to finish Pool C with a 1-1 record. 

Only the top two teams from each of the 4 pools will advance to the quarterfinals so the Philippines needs Sri Lanka to drop its match against Japan to avoid elimination. 

If a three-way tie at 1-1 ensues, competition format states that the rankings will be determined by the most points scored in average.

Gilas has scored 29 points while Japan and Sri Lanka has 20 and 6 points, respectively. 

Afril Bernardino scorched hot for the Philippines against Sri Lanka with 9 points, including the first 3 buckets and the shot that sealed the win. 

Clare Castro backstopped Bernardino with 6 points while Jack Danielle Animam and Afril Bernardino chipped in 3 points apiece. 

“First game, we were too relaxed [and] too complacent that’s why we weren’t able to do our best,” Animam said of the loss to Japan. 

“When we played the qualifying draw, we just wanted to prove something that we belong here.” 

Sri Lanka and Japan tangle at 8:45 pm on Friday. – Rappler.com