Gilas Pilipinas Basketball

The Gilas Pilipinas Women national team survived defending SEA Games women’s basketball champions Malaysia for a thrilling 81-75 win on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila to stay undefeated in the 30th edition of the regional meet.

Former UAAP MVP Afril Bernardino left everything on the floor, finishing with an impressive all-around game of 18 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.

Jack Danielle Animam backstopped with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Khate Castillo and Janine Pontejos added 11 and 10 points, respectively, hitting key baskets down the stretch for the pulsating victory.

After the Filipinas fell down by six in the fourth quarter, Castillo knocked down back to back triples to tie the count at 74-all.

A defensive battle ensued between both teams, with the Philippines out-hustling the Malaysians when it comes to 50-50 balls and forcing turnovers.

Pontejos later hit two free throws before Gilas forced a shot clock violation. Pontejos then made a floater to push the home side up, 79-74 under the final minute.

Gilas had a 54-43 lead in rebounding, and forced 19 turnovers from Malaysia which led to 20 turnover points. They also shot 37 percent from downtown.

Kelli Hayes knocked down back to back outside shots that made it 52-42 for the nationals in the third quarter, but Malaysia showed guts, buckling down defensively to cut the deficit down to just one entering the final period, 64-63.

The Philippines will face Thailand, which is also 2-0 in the group, on Tuesday for the virtual gold medal game of the tournament.

The squad with the best record shall take home top honors in the biennial meet.

The scores:

Philippines (81) – Bernardino 18, Animam 14, Castillo 11, Pontejos 10, Cabinbin 8, Hayes 7, Tongco 5, Jose 3, Nabalan 3, Prado 2, Castro 0, Chan 0.

Malaysia (75) – Yap 18, Saw 11, Low 10, Tan 8, Ting 8, Hiew 7, Rajintiran 7, Tai 4, Chia 2, Lee 0, Ho 0, Khoo 0.

Quarterscores: 16-14, 42-38, 64-63, 81-75.