By Jonas Terrado
Game Thursday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
6 p.m. – Philippines vs Indonesia
There’s no room for Gilas Pilipinas to make a small error as it begins the quest to win the elusive gold against Indonesia in women’s basketball of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Pinay cagers open the single-round competition at 6 p.m. with coach Pat Aquino hoping to see her team beat the Indonesian squad that took home the bronze medal two years ago in Kuala Lumpur.
Aquino is hoping that the homecourt advantage will benefit Gilas Women as it aims to win all three matches in the competition.
Only four teams participated in the women’s side with Malaysia eager to defend its crown and Thailand seeking its first gold since the 2013 Games in Nay Pyi Taw.
“We hope na makuha natin yung elusive gold na yun. We’ll just take it one game at a time,” said Aquino.
Afril Bernardino, Jack Animam, Janine Pontejos and Clare Castro are expected to enter the tourney in good form after steering the Philippines to gold in the women’s 3×3 event last Monday at The Arena in San Juan.
Other members of the team are Ria Nabalan, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Kelli Hayes, Gemma Miranda, Eunique Chan and Danica Jose. (Jonas Terrado)
Action in the distaff side began at press time with Malaysia facing Thailand at the same venue.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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