Gilas Pilipinas Women fall to France in FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers opener

Gilas Pilipinas Women fell to host nation France, 115–66, to open their campaign in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments on Thursday.

The Philippines got off to a slow start, trailing 24–9 at the end of the first quarter before entering halftime down 53–26.

France continued to pull away in the second half, outscoring the Philippines 33–12 in the third period and building a lead of as much as 50 points, 91–40, early in the fourth quarter. Despite the deficit, Gilas Women showed fight in the final frame, nearly matching France’s output with 28 points against the hosts’ 29.

Sumayah Sugapong led the Philippines with 13 points, while Afril Bernardino added 12. Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in 11 points.

For France, Dominique Malonga paced the team with 21 points and nine rebounds. Alexia Chery and Migna Touré contributed 16 and 14 points, respectively.

Gilas Pilipinas Women will next face Germany on Friday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News