Kacey Dela Rosa and Victoria Pasilang powered Gilas Pilipinas to a perfect group-stage sweep as the Philippines secured a direct berth in the quarterfinals of the women’s 3×3 basketball competition at the 20th Asian Games on Wednesday.
The Filipinas overcame Malaysia, 17-12, at Kinju Futo Station Square to finish on top of Group C with a 3-0 record, mirroring the feat of their male counterparts earlier in the day.
Dela Rosa led the Philippines with eight points, while Pasilang chipped in six as Gilas recovered from an early deficit and took control in the latter stages of the 10-minute contest.
Malaysia held a slim 6-5 advantage before the Filipinas answered with six consecutive points to seize an 11-6 lead. Dela Rosa accounted for four points during that pivotal run, putting the Philippines in command and allowing the team to maintain its cushion until the final buzzer.
The former UAAP MVP also contributed seven rebounds, matching Pasilang’s seven boards as the Philippines controlled the battle on the glass.
Gilas opened its Asian Games campaign on Tuesday with back-to-back victories, stunning Mongolia, 17-12, before cruising past Macau, 21-4.
With the group-stage sweep, the Philippines advances straight to the quarterfinals and will face the winner of the play-in game between the Group A runner-up and the Group D third-place finisher on Thursday.
The direct quarterfinal berth gives Gilas an opportunity to continue its strong start as it pursues a deep run in the women’s U-23 3×3 competition.
