Pinay cagebelles try luck against Australians

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas women faces an early test against powerhouse Australia today in the Division A opener of the 2019 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru, India.

Bannered by the debuting Fil-Am forward Kelli Hayes, the 47th-ranked Nationals troop to battle at 3:45 p.m. (Manila time) with a mission of pulling off a shocker on the Australians, the heavy favorites who are ranked No. 3 in the world.

Out to throw in support for the ex-UCLA standout are mainstays Janine Pontejos, Afril Bernardino, France Mae Cabinbin, Gemma Miranda and Jack Animam.

Also in the fray are national team debutants Ria Nabalan, Bea Daez and Eunique Chan as the Pat Aquino-mentored squad attempts for a better outing against the 2018 runnerup.

The Filipinas bowed to the mighty Australians, 107-65, two years ago also in India.

The revenge mission for the Phl cagebelles, however, will not be easy as the Sandy Brondello-coached Aussies parade an intact roster in a bid to rule the prestigious Division A after the bridesmaid finish to Japan last year.

Bec Allen, a forward from New York Liberty in the WNBA, is tasked to lead the way for Australia, together with twin towers Cayla George and Ezi Magbegor. The team has a 6-foot-1 average ceiling compared to the Filipinas who have only 5-foot-7 average height. 

The Nationals will next face China and New Zealand.