Olympic Pre-Qualifying stint good warmup for SEA Games, says Gilas women’s coach

By Jonas Terrado

Gilas Pilipinas Women Coach Pat Aquino believes the series of lopsided defeats in the recent FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament will help toughen up the national cagebelles in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The Philippines lost by an average margin of 58 points against host New Zealand, South Korea and China during the competition held in Auckland but Aquino said facing crack Asian teams will benefit the team as it enters the final phase of preparation.

“I know the result wasn’t in our favor but overall okay naman tayo,” Aquino said. “We were able to compete with the best and alam namin kung saan kami kulang at saan kami may advantage.”

Afril Bernardino emerged as the topscorer of the team during the tourney with an average of 14.7 points, Janine Pontejos produced 14.3 points while Jack Animan tallied 7.0 rebounds for Gilas.

Gilas is looking to take advantage of the homecourt advantage in hopes of winning its first gold in the women’s basketball competitions of the biennial meet.

The Pinay cagers settled for silver six times, including the 2011 Indonesia and 2013 Nay Pyi Taw Games but failed to reach the podium in the last two editions.

Six teams are set to compete in the games that will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Malaysia, which won the last two editions, five-time winner Thailand and Indonesia are expected to give the hosts a hard time.

The Malaysians also benefited from the recent Olympic Pre-Qualifier, having played in the other group stage held in Kuala Lumpur.

Also part of the competition are Singapore and Vietnam. The top team after the single-round robin will win the gold.

“It’s going to be tough,” said Aquino. “I think everybody has adjusted with their lineup.”

Source: Manila Bulletin