After three crushing losses in the group stages, Gilas Pilipinas Women finally found their stroke, making it rain on India to take a dominant 92-78 win, Friday evening at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in India.
It was an all-important victory for the Philippines, as it meant Gilas Women remain in Asia’s Division A since the contest was a relegation tilt.
De La Salle standout Khate Castillo led Gilas’ bombardment of India, finishing with 15 points built on five triples.
Fellow Gilas neophyte Ria Nabalan also had a field day in the contest, scoring 13 points spiked by three treys.
All in all, the Philippines knocked down 14 of its 29 triples.
After a strong start by the Philippines, the hosts fought back in the second frame, cutting a once 16-point lead down to just three to end the half.
The Filipina shooters then heated up, building a lead that went to as high as 22 points, 88-66, with 3:40 left.
Gemma Miranda and Kelli Hayes added 11 markers each, with the latter also grabbing two rebounds and swatting away a couple of shots. Jack Animam had 13 rebounds, seven points, and two blocks of her own.
Afril Bernardino glued things together for Gilas with 10 points, seven rebounds, four steals, three blocks, and two assists.
Shireen Vijay Limaye paced India with 23 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
The Scores:
Philippines 92 – Pontejos 18, Castillo 15, Nabalan 13, Hayes 11, Miranda 11, Bernardino 10, Animam 7, Chan 5, Cabinbin 2, Tongco 0, Jose 0, Daez 0.
India 78 – Limaye 23, Udayakumar 15, Mahesha 12, Skaria 10, Kumari 6, Geetha 5, Sonkar 4, Arvind 2, Nixon 1.
Quarterscores: 28-16, 41-38, 63-57, 92-78.
