Peter Jandrei Melan

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s promising start turned into heartbreak as Japan Universiade mounted a second-half storm to pull off a dominant 94-74 win and crush the Filipinas’ title hopes in the 2025 William Jones Cup at the Taipei Heping Gymnasium on Saturday July 5.

Photo Courtesy of FIBA.

With both teams entering the matchup carrying contrasting momentum, Japan undefeated through three games and the Philippines reeling from a loss to South Korea–Gilas appeared ready to flip the script. 

Gilas Pilipinas showed poise and grit early, building a 12-point lead and holding a narrow 46-44 advantage at halftime behind the strong inside presence of Jack Animam.

The Filipinas stayed in control midway through the third quarter, still ahead 58–54, when the tides abruptly turned. 

Japan launched a blistering 14-0 run to end the period, capitalizing on turnovers and cold shooting from Gilas to wrest a 66-58 lead heading into the final frame. It was a lead they would never relinquish.

From there, Japan ran a clinic in discipline and execution. 

The Japanese went 8-of-8 on two-point field goals in the fourth quarter and stretched the gap to double digits. 

They also forced multiple empty possessions from the Filipinas, who struggled to break the defensive pressure and regain their early rhythm. In total, Gilas was outscored 50–28 in the second half.

Japan’s offense was a picture of balance, with Maika Miura leading five players in double figures with 12 points. Suzuno Higuchi, Ufuoma Tanaka, Haru Owaki, and Azusa Asahina added 11 points each. 

Takako Sato chipped in nine, while Mona Tateyama and Yuka Fujisawa contributed seven apiece.

For the Philippines, Jack Animam was again the pillar, finishing with 21 points and 16 rebounds–her second consecutive double-double. 

Naomi Panganiban added 14 markers, while Louna Ozar had 11 points and three rebounds. 


Despite the individual efforts, the team’s composure unraveled against Japan’s depth and defensive intensity.

The loss dropped Gilas Pilipinas Women to a 1-3 record, eliminating them from title and podium contention with one game left in the single round-robin tournament. 
Japan, meanwhile, improved to 4-0, keeping their spotless record intact ahead of a likely gold medal finish.

Gilas will wrap up their campaign against the Chinese Taipei collegiate squad on Sunday, July 6 at 4:00 PM (Philippine time).