The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team proved no match against Japan, suffering a 96-59 loss in the 2023 Asian Games at the Olympic Sports Centre gymnasium Sunday night, October 1.

The Filipina cagebelles played catch up the entire game after falling behind by as many as 35-14 in the opening period.

The Akatsuki led by as many as 39 points on the way to the wire-to-wire win for a 3-0 sweep of Group B.

Gilas fell to a 2-1 record but nonetheless, clinched a berth in the quarterfinal round.

Aika Hirashita finished with 27 points to lead Japan, while Saki Hayashi added 17.

Only Janine Pontejos scored in double digits for Gilas with 13.

The scores

Japan (96) – Hirashita 27, Hayashi 17, Akaho 12, Hoshi 10, Todo 8, Asahina 7, Miyazaki 5, Okoye 4, Kawai 3, Takada 2, Yabu 2.

Philippines (59) – Pontejos 13, Cabinbin 9, Animam 9, Castillo 8, Del Carmen 6, Ozar 5, Cacho 4, Tongco 3, Bernardino 2.

Quarterscores: 35-14; 50-26; 66-39; 96-59.