The Gilas Pilipinas Women fell short of a gold medal in the 3×3 basketball tournament in the Asian Beach Games, after a 13-21 defeat to host China in the finals at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium on Wednesday, April 29.

The Gilas Women were on the back foot almost immediately against the towering China team, which was led by Hengyu Yang and Fengyi Sun.

The Philippines fell behind 5-11 early before Mikka Cacho and Kaye Pingol willed them back into contention.

Utilizing their speed, Cacho and Pingol attacked the basket with Tantoy Ferrer and Gabi Bade also poking holes in the China defense which kept Gilas looking for an outside shot that just didn’t come.

Bade made things interesting with a converted and-one opportunity that got the Philippines within four, 12-16, with 3:34 ticks remaining.

China proved too much to overcome, however.

Cacho finished with five points while Ferrer added four markers. Pingol and Bade added two points each.

The women’s silver softened the blow of a missed podium for the men’s team, who also fell against China with an identical score.

It was also the best finish for the Gilas Women, who last finished on the podium in 2012, when they clinched the bronze. (ABS-CBN News)