Far Eastern University gave Gilas Pilipinas Women squad a fitting workout before it leaves for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup this weekend.
The Baby Tamaraws, the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion, pulled off a 106-77 victory to give the national cagebelles a taste of topnotch battle before seeing action in the prestigious continental tourney that starts on 26 June at the Sydney Olympic Park in Australia.
Despite the lopsided loss, Gilas head coach Patrick Aquino was satisfied with the performance of his wards, saying that they were able to push the Baby Tamaraws to the limit before losing steam in the fourth period.
“We were able to battle them toe-to-toe for three quarters, but FEU outclassed us in the fourth,” said Aquino in a telephone conversation with Daily Tribune.
“But at least, this game was a much better showing compared to our game against Adamson last time around.”
The Gilas girls are nearing their deadly shape for the tourney that serves as a qualifier for the Paris Olympics next year.
They will leave for Melbourne for a series of tune up games against semi-professional squads competing in the women’s National Basketball League Division 1 in Australia.
Naturalized player Vanessa de Jesus will be joining the Gilas squad in Melbourne to get a chance to be more familiar with the team’s style of play and develop chemistry with the national team.
The guard from Duke University was supposed to join Gilas as early as three years ago as part of the under-18 team, but due to pandemic, Aquino had to wait for the perfect opportunity to include her in the elite level.
“I have an idea at how she plays, since I was able to see her play during the time I went to the US to look for players,” Aquino said.
“What I like most about her game is her basketball IQ, and her leadership.”
“Knowing Duke University, it has a solid basketball program and Vanessa also plays solid on both ends of the floor, not really in scoring, but her versatility. Her great qualities are exactly what we need for the team.”
The Filipinas are going to wrap up their training here with another tune up game against Mapua University on Friday.
