By Jonas Terrado
Game Thursday
(Auckland, New Zealand)
2:30 p.m. — New Zealand vs Philippines
Gilas Pilipinas opens its campaign against host New Zealand in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament Asia-Oceania at the The Trusts Arena in Auckland.
Gilas Pilipinas Women (FIBA Photo)
The national cagebelles of coach Pat Aquino face a tall order against the Kiwis in the match set at 7:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. Philippine time).
New Zealand holds the psychological edge over the Pinays after claiming a 75-57 in their lone meeting in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup last September in Bangalore, India.
Aquino will field the same roster he had from the Asia Cup as part of Gilas’ final preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Afril Bernardino and Gemma Miranda, the only players to reach double figures in the Asia Cup, are expected to play key roles for the Philippines in the three-game, four-day tournament.
Also part of the lineup are Kelli Hayes, Jack Danielle Animam, Janine Pontejos, Ana Alicia Castillo, France Cabinbin, Ria Nabalan, Eunique Chan, Marizze Tongco and Danica Jose.
The Philippines is also slated to face South Korea on Saturday and China on Sunday.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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