Gilas Pilipinas Women have their hands full as the Filipinas aim to keep their slim title hopes alive against the undefeated Japan Universiade squad at the 2025 William Jones Cup.
Gilas Women stare down a giant with everything on the line.
With their title hopes hanging by a thread, the Philippines brace for their toughest test yet in the 2025 William Jones Cup as they take on the unbeaten Japan Universiade on Saturday, July 5, at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
Tipoff is at 2:00 p.m. (PH time).
Gilas Women are coming off a humbling 80–58 loss to South Korea that dropped their tournament record to 1–2.
[ALSO READ: Flat start dooms Gilas Women in latest Jones Cup setback vs. South Korea]
Sumayah Sugapong led the Philippines with 16 points, but the Nationals fell into a 26–12 hole after the opening quarter and never recovered.
Jack Animam delivered a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Ella Fajardo chipped in 11 points in a losing effort.
The 22-point loss to South Korea dealt a major blow to Gilas Women's title aspirations in the six-team round-robin tournament, where the final standings will determine the medalists.
Earlier, Animam and Notre Dame guard Vanessa de Jesus powered the Nationals' lone win of the tournament—an 83–66 rout of Thailand with a combined 46 points.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Women recover from opening setback, blast Thailand in Jones Cup]
Japan, meanwhile, has looked every bit the favorite.
The Japanese cagers hold a tournament-best 3–0 record after decisive wins over Thailand (103–49), South Korea (75–69), and Chinese Taipei Universiade (72–51).
A loss would officially eliminate the Philippines from title contention, while a win would breathe life into their campaign heading into Sunday’s finale against host Chinese Taipei.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE | Gilas Pilipinas Women compete at 2025 William Jones Cup]
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
—
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]