By REYNALD MAGALLON
Chinese Taipei came out with guns blazing en route to a lopsided 93-52 victory over Gilas Pilipinas Women to book a spot in the knockout rounds of the FIBA Asia Cup at the Prince Hamza Hall in Ammam, Jordan on Wednesday, Sept. 29 (Thursday, Sept 30 Manila Time).
Not even an inspired game from Gilas guard Afril Bernardino, who finished with a double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds, could prevent the Filipinas from absorbing another 41-point drubbing, this time at the hands of the No. 34 world ranked Taiwanese side.
Chinese Taipei sizzled in the second half courtesy of a torrid shooting from beyond the arc which set the tone for the rout.
The Taiwanese drained seven triples in the third frame to create the much-needed separation following a gallant stand from the Filipina dribblers in the first half who trailed by 15, 45-30, at the half.
Chinese Taipei exploded for 31 points in that blistering run in the third as the gap ballooned to 76-41 heading into the final quarter.
Gilas held its ground in the first half with the help of Bernardino and 6-foot-5 center Clare Castro who flexed her height advantage over the Taiwanese frontline in the first two quarters.
That advantage, however, completely disappeared as the Taiwanese leaned on their swarming defense to fuel their run-and-gun game in the second half.
The Taiwanese also led in the assist department with 33 as compared to Gilas’ 10. Gilas was also limited to a measly 2-of-14 shooting from the three-point line as compared to Chinese Taipei’s torrid 15-of-41 shooting.
Wen Yu Lin led Chinese Taipei with 19 points, spiked by five treys, to go with her four rebounds. She was backstopped by I-Hsiu Cheng with 14 markers.
Castro was the only one who provided support for Bernardino with 12 points and six boards as only six players scored for the Philippine side.
With the win, Chinese Taipei finished third in the Group A standing to set up a date with South Korea in the semis classification match. Gilas, meanwhile, finished winless and will face India in the 7th – 8th classification match.