MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Women came up just short in a gutsy stand against Japan, 85-82, on Monday in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup for Women at Shenzen Sports Center in China.

The narrow loss was a massive turnaround from their 115-39 blowout defeat to Australia the day before and showed renewed grit from the national squad.

Jack Animam turned in arguably her best game in the Fiba level as she finished with a monster double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds, but her numbers just weren’t enough to upset the Japanese.

Vanessa De Jesus and Naomi Panganiban chipped in 13 points each, though the Philippines still dropped to an 0-2 record in Group B.

Coach Pat Aquino certainly didn’t leave their efforts unnoticed.

“It’s a tough loss but it’s a good bounce back from yesterday’s game. I think the girls have their grit now by playing together,” said Aquino.

“Hopefully, we get one more game as good as this.”

The duo of Maki Takada and Minami Yabu wreaked havoc for Japan as they registered 20 and 15 points, respectively, to stay undefeated after two games.

Gilas Women still have a chance to make some noise in the Asia Cup when they take on Lebanon on Wednesday, also in Group B action.