In a fitting start to its 20th Asian Games campaign, Gilas Pilipinas — playing without Jack Animam and Kacey Dela Rosa — showed that height is just a number, dominating Kazakhstan, 86-58, for a rousing debut at Aichi International Arena in Japan.
With an average height of just 5-foot-7, the Philippines entered the tournament as one of its two shortest teams, standing four inches shorter on average than Kazakhstan, the second-tallest squad at 5-foot-11.
Spearheaded by Elizabeth Means and Stefanie Berberabe, the Filipinas made up for their size disadvantage in other ways. The team spread the floor while taking efficient shots, and used their quickness to hound the Kazakhs throughout the contest.
The Philippines’ defense was relentless, forcing 34 turnovers and coming away with 26 steals. The Filipinas were also efficient from the field, converting 53-percent of their two-point attempts, 31-percent from three-point range, and 91-percent from the free-throw line.
Means finished with a game-high 23 points in her 5-on-5 debut, along with eight steals and four rebounds. Then Berberabe added 11 points, eight assists, five steals, and four rebounds to lead the Filipinas.
Kent Pastrana, Janine Pontejos, and Jhaz Joson chipped in eight points each, while team captain Afril Bernardino, Angel Surada, and Ann Pingol contributed six apiece.
Gilas set the tone early, forcing nine Kazakhstan turnovers to take a 25-9 lead after the opening quarter, with Means and Pontejos combining for 13 points to fuel the offense.
The Kazakhs turned in a much-improved performance in the second quarter, scoring 23 points, but it was not enough to significantly cut into the Philippines’ lead as the Filipinas took a 49-32 advantage into halftime.
Gilas then put the game out of reach with an explosive third quarter, pouring in 27 points while holding Kazakhstan to just eight to stretch its lead to 76-40 heading into the final frame.
The Philippines, which now sits atop Group B with a 1-0 record, will face Hong Kong next on Sunday.
Tamara Noiok led Kazakhstan with 11 points, while Anna Bezgodova posted a double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds.
The Kazakhs will look to bounce back against host Japan, also on Sunday.
