SHENZHEN — Gilas Girls made quite a statement following a 141-18 domination of Maldives for a rousing start to its campaign in Division B of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2024, Monday evening at the Futian Sports Park here.
The Philippine team wasted no time imposing their might, zooming to a 22-0 start to set up the lopsided affair and grab the provisional lead in Group B (1-0).
A total of nine players finished in double figures in the victory, with the tandem of Alicia Villanueva and Jolzyne Impreso showing the way with 18 points apiece – both of whom put up those numbers in just under 17 minutes of action.
Ashlyn Abong made 14 points and eight rebounds. Ava Fajardo had 13 points, together with six rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.
Gabby Ramos had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Sophia Canindo produced 13 as well, alongside three boards, four dimes, and six steals.
Tifanny Reyes, the youngest in the bunch, had 12 points.
Aubrey Lapasaran fell just short of a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds while Naomi Panganiban added 10 markers in the victory that saw the unit rack up 32 assists.
Coach Julie Amos’ wards leaned on their defense, too, and would go on to finish with 35 steals as the opposition committed 53 turnovers.
No one from Maldives breached the double-digit mark in points, with Mariyam Sifan serving as their leading scorer with nine points.
Gilas will next face the debuting Lebanon on Tuesday, June 25, at 4:30 PM, with a win set to get the team closer to a semifinal berth.
The Scores:
Philippines 141 – Impreso 18, Villanueva 18, Abong 14, Canindo 13, Fajardo 13, Ramos 13, Reyes 12, Lapasaran 11, Panganiban 10, Rodriguez 8, Duenas 6, Quinte 5.
Maldives 18 – Sifan 9, Firash 3, Nimal 3, Shameem 2, Zakariya 1, Ishag 0, Sobah 0, Shujau 0, Shiham 0, Thahseen 0, Khuwailid 0, Simad 0.
Quarterscores: 43-11, 79-14, 109-15, 141-18
