The Gilas Pilipinas Women absorbed their second defeat in the 43rd William Jones Cup, after failing to complete a comeback against Japan, 85-83, in Taiwan on Monday, July 8.

They moved down to 1-2 in the standings, while the Japanese remained unbeaten in three games.

Afril Bernardino starred for the Philippines yet again, putting up 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Jack Animam finished with 20 markers and finished with the same amount of boards.

Also standing out were Naomi Panganiban and Khate Castillo as the duo finished with 12 points each.

Meanwhile, leading Japan were Fujisawa Yumeha (13 points and five rebounds), Takako Sato (13 points and four rebounds) and Haruka Yamamoto (11 points).

After facing a 15-point deficit, the Philippines banked on their huge fourth-quarter showing to eventually tie the game at 83.

Yamada Aoi was able to regain a two-point advantage for her squad as she converted on her pair of free-throw attempts on the following possession, and this was enough for them to escape an upset, as Panganiban missed on her game-winning three on the next play.

Gilas will return to action and will face Thailand. (ABS-CBN News)

JAPAN 85 — Yumeha 13, Sato 13, Haruka 11, Yuki 10, Aoi 10, Moena 7, Maho 7, Natsuki 6, Haru 5, Mitsusaki 3, Rakuko 0, Reina 0.

PHILIPPINES 83 — Bernardino 21, Animam 20, Castillo 12, Panganiban 12, Pontejos 9, Ramos 5, Berberabe 2, Bobadilla 2, Nolasco 0, Ozar 0, Yumul 0, Pagdulagan 0.

Quarterscores: 27-17, 48-37, 66-56, 85-83.