By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Gilas Pilipinas women’s national basketball team still went all out despite missing the chance of capturing the gold medal in the ongoing 43rd William Jones Cup held at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
Eager to end their remaining match schedule on a high note, the Filipina hoopers displayed a rebounding clinic to fend off Thailand, 68-58, to improve their tournament record to two wins and two losses.
Leading the way for the talented PHL women’s national team is superstar Jack Animam who capped off the win with a dominant double-double performance of 10 points and 21 rebounds.
Equipped with the much-needed international basketball experience after spending the last three years playing as an Asian import overseas, Animam showed the way for her team against the tough Thai squad.
The most impressive part of her game against Thailand was her offensive rebounding that helped Gilas pile up their second-chance points.
Animam had 21 of Gilas’ 63 total rebounds, a wide disparity in the department as Thailand only managed to pull down 30 boards.
Backstopping Animam during the victory was another national team veteran, Afril Bernardino who recorded 17 rebounds alongside five points.
Bernardino picked up where Animam left off late in the third quarter and manned the interior with her efficient rebounding.
The offensive points only came in the end for Bernardino but her nose for the ball, going for every rebound made a huge difference in their win.
Gabby Ramos also stepped up when Gilas needed her the most and contributed eight markers and eight rebounds.
