By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas girls team continued with its struggles in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup, this time, absorbing a 26-point beating at the hands of Chinese Taipei, 74-48 at the Arena Seremban in Malaysia, Tuesday, Sept. 23.
It was another lackluster showing for the Filipinas, who saved for a 5-0 start to the contest was completely outgunned and outplayed by their Taiwanese counterparts to drop to their second loss in as many games in the group stage.
The defeat came after Gilas found itself on the receiving end of an 81-point drubbing from the four-peat seeking Australia, 123-41, in the opening game.
Yu-Tung Chang led Chinese Taipei with 17 points and eight rebounds as three other players contributed at least 11 points.
For the side of the Filipinas, Ella Smith was one of the few bright spots with her double-double showing of 14 points and 10 rebounds along with four assists and four steals.
Tiffany Reyes had 12 points while Makena Ramos, after firing 16 points in the first game, was limited to just six points.
All is not lost still for the Nationals as they can still advance to the qualifications to the semifinals should it finish third in the Group A standings.
Gilas, however, need to hurdle fellow winless team South Korea in its final assignment on Wednesday, Sept. 24 to reach the knockout rounds.
