SEA Games: Gilas womens dethrones longtime nemesis Malaysia

By Jonas Terrado

Game Tuesday

(Mall of Asia Arena)

6 p.m. — Philippines vs Thailand

Gilas Pilipinas survived defending champion Malaysia 81-75 to close in on winning the country’s first gold Sunday night in women’s basketball competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The national cagebelles lost a 12-point third quarter lead but battled back from six down in the fourth to register their second straight win and turn Tuesday’s match against Thailand into a fight for the gold.

Khate Castillo and Janine Pontejos made key baskets down the stretch, Danica Jose made stops on the other end and Afril Bernardino registered 18 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, much to the liking of coach Pat Aquino.

“They never gave up and I was so proud of them. Talagang they found a way to win that game,” said Aquino, who is assured of steering the Philippines to a medal finish for the first time since he started handling the team in 2015.

“I’m just happy that we survived another game but it doesn’t end here. We still have one more game at sana dire-diretso na to,” he added.

Castillo sparked the comeback when she drained back-to-back triples to tie the game at 74-all, 3:41 remaining in the fourth.

Gilas got the lead back when Jose, who had earlier blocked two attempts, made one of two free throws with 3:01 to go.

Pontejos later sank two freebies and converted a one-hander to make it 79-74 for the Philippines with 51.8 seconds remaining.

Fook Yee Yap scored 18 points but Malaysia’s bid for third straight gold came to an end after falling to 0-2.

Source: Manila Bulletin