Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Elizabeth Means against Kazakhstan in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Photo from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas/AINAGOC.Gilas Pilipinas Women absorbed their first loss after faltering against host Japan, 89-67, in the 5-on-5 basketball tournament of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Tuesday at the Aichi International Arena.
Elizabeth Means spearheaded the Philippines with 16 points, nine rebounds, and two assists as they ended their Group B campaign as the second seed, entering the quarterfinals with two wins in three matches.
Afril Bernardino followed with 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Janine Pontejos posted 11 points.
Gilas will hope to bank on its victories over Kazakhstan, 85-58, and Hong Kong, 90-73, as it heads to the knockout quarterfinals set for Thursday, September 24.
It was only a 14-7 game in favor of Japan midway through the first period, but the hosts eventually found their footing and zoomed to a 24-11 advantage by the end of the quarter.
The 2023 Asiad silver medalists then went on to dominate by as much as 25 points. And while the Philippines cut its deficit to as low as 15, 60-45, Japan eventually secured the top seed of the group with three wins in as many outings.
Miyu Okamoto led Japan with 19 points and five rebounds, while Ami Tsuneta followed with 18 points, three assists, and two rebounds.
The Scores:
Japan 89 — Okamoto 19, Tsuneta 18, Tateyama 12, Sato 11, Miura 8, Akagi 7, Santa 4, Tanaka 4, Higuchi 3, Owaki 3, Shiraishi 0, Awatani 0.
Gilas Women 67 — Means 16, Bernardino 13, Pontejos 11, Berberabe 9, Malagar 8, Yam 6, Pastrana 4, Surada 0, Del Carmen 0, Joson 0, Pingol 0, Clarin 0.
Quarterscores: 24-11, 53-32, 68-50, 89-67.