Gilas Pilipinas Women unleash second half surge vs. Malaysia for first win in Jones Cup

Gilas Pilipinas Women rode on a strong second half showing to bounce back from an opening day loss and deny Malaysia, 74-63, and capture their breakthrough win in the 2024 Williams Jones Cup on Sunday in Taiwan. 

Veteran Afril Bernardino showed the way with an all-around performance of 13 points, six rebounds, six steals, and two blocks as the Filipinas improved their slate to an even 1-1 record following a 73-60 loss to Chinese Taipei B on Saturday. 

With Bernardino starring, Gilas was able to turn a 34-27 halftime lead to a 50-29 cushion, thanks in part to back-to-back triples from Janine Pontejos to open the third period. 

Malaysia, though, answered with a 7-3 quick run before youngster Naomi Panganiban responded with a three-pointer of her own to pick up where she left off last game. 

Bernardino took care of the job the rest of the way, completing a three-point play chance for a personal 5-0 run early in the fourth, sending the Patrick Aquino-mentored squad to a 63-41 advantage. 

There was nothing the Malaysians could do as Gilas put the seal on its first win.

Jack Animam flirted with a double-double of 10 point and nine rebounds while Pontejos tallied eight markers. 

Gilas will look to make it back-to-back wins when they take on Japan on Monday at 3 p.m. while Malaysia will try to avoid going down a 0-3 hole as it faces Chinese Taipei A at 5 p.m. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News