After loss to China, Gilas Pilipinas Women tackle world No. 3 Australia

The Philippine national women's basketball team will be pitted against one of the world's best when it continues its campaign in the 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup on Wednesday, September 29.

The Gilas Pilipinas Women is set to tackle world No. 3 Australia at 12 a.m. (Manila time) at the Prinze Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan.

The nationals are seeking to avoid back-to-back losses in the tournament, where the top team in each group advances to the semifinal while the next two teams will play in a cross-over playoff.

Against China, national team mainstay Afril Bernardino powered the Filipinas with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in 30 minutes of play while another veteran in Janine Pontejos carved out seven markers en route to their 143-52 loss.

And while head coach Patrick Aquino understands the tough performance from his wards given their circumstances, he hopes his players have adjusted when they face powerhouse Australia.

He also looks forward to having new players like Ella Fajardo and Camille Clarin adjust to his system.

"They're struggling a little bit at first. It's their first game with the team," Aquino said of Fajardo and Clarin, who combined for nine points against China. "A lot of struggles in the first but hopefully, they'll get comfortable in the coming games and show their wares why they're here."

"I think the adjustment, the system, and again, playing after two years, this is what we get and hopefully we can improve more in the coming games," Aquino added.

Australia defeated Chinese-Taipei also on Monday night, 76-65, for a share of the lead of Group B with China. They competed in the Tokyo Olympics, reaching the quarterfinal round, though they are fielding a different squad in this tournament.

—JMB, GMA News