Animam, Pontejos catch fire but Gilas Women unable to upset Japan in final Jones Cup game

The duo of Jack Animam and Janine Pontejos took the scoring cudgels for Gilas Pilipinas Women, however their effort went for naught as they fell prey to Japanese membership Chanson V-Magic, 95-88, to wrap up their 2023 William Jones Cup marketing campaign on Wednesday in Taiwan.

Animam confirmed no indicators of fatigue regardless of taking part in 5 day straights of competitors, churning out a double-double output of 19 factors and 10 rebounds alongside two assists, two blocks, and one steal because the Philippines ended the tourney with a 1-4 win-loss card.

The Japanese squad, in the meantime, capped off a flawless run with a 5-0 slate to clinch its third consecutive Jones Cup title. 

Pontejos was the main scorer with 20 markers behind a 4-of-7 three-point taking pictures proportion laced with two boards, two dimes, and two swats whereas one other seasoned baller, Afril Bernardino, chipped in 11 factors within the loss.

Gilas stared at a 12-point deficit early within the second quarter, 23-35, earlier than Pontejos and Jhazmin Joson connived for 2 triples every to energy an 18-9 run and minimize their deficit to only three on the half, 41-44.

They then tied issues up at 52-all within the third body earlier than Gabi Bade caught fireplace, burying a triple adopted by a putback bucket from Kacey Dela Rosa for the lead, 64-61. The Philippines headed to the fourth quarter carrying a slim 68-65 cushion.

Kimika Takanohashi proved to be a menace for the Filipinas because the Japanese guard detonated for 2 three-pointers for a 77-73 lead earlier than an help from her led to an 86-81 cushion.

Takanohashi’s last-gasp triple with 31 seconds left sealed it for Japan as they survived a scare from Gilas to stay undefeated.

She completed with 32 factors on eight triples made to go together with two rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News