After historic win, Gilas PH women ready for next step
Coach Patrick Aquino will be the first to say that there are lots of lessons learned after the country ended its campaign in the Fiba Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament campaign on a high note.
But there is also much to celebrate. For one, the Filipino women sent a strong message with their 74-59 victory over world No. 19 Colombia on Tuesday in Lyon, France.
This is how we roll.
“We have the talent already and the know-how to compete at this kind of level,” Aquino said in a message on Wednesday in Manila. “[We just need] adjustments in how we play to let [opponents] know this is how the Gilas women play.”
Help needed
Kacey Dela Rosa fired 14 points in the final quarter at Lyon’s Astroballe and finished with 25 as the Filipinos pulled away after leading by just four at the start of the payoff period.
Dela Rosa also finished with 19 rebounds and five blocks, a monster performance that not only proved she can hold her own against international bigs, but also how much work she had to do for the team.
And Aquino noticed it, too.
“That’s why the next step is to add to that talent and look for a naturalized player, a big who can help Kacey,” he said.
Sumayah Sugapong, the former Arizona Wildcats standout, finished with 21 points for the Philippines, which notched a trailblazing victory in the tournament.
“I’m just as proud as [everybody is] with how the girls played,” Aquino said. “They were amazing, never giving up, and played with pride and honor.”
Up next for the Gilas women is the Asian Games in September, and Aquino plans to buckle down to work immediately to ride the momentum of their huge victory.
“I’m happy with another small step we gained and just hope the girls can continue going forward,” he said.
