Gilas Pilipinas Women pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat Hong Kong, 90-73, and clinch a spot in the quarterfinals of the 20th Asian Games on Sunday morning at the Aichi International Arena in Japan.
After maintaining a slim lead through the first three quarters, the Philippines finally broke the game open in the final frame, unleashing a huge run to pull away from Hong Kong and move to the top of Group B with a 2-0 record, officially punching their ticket to the top eight.
Stefanie Berberabe, Angel Surada, Afril Bernardino, and Jhaz Joson spearheaded a 19-8 run to open the final period for Gilas, turning a 69-60 lead into a commanding 88-68 advantage with just a minute remaining.
The surge put the game firmly out of reach for Hong Kong, which leaned heavily on Li Tsz Kwan’s offensive brilliance throughout the contest.
Berberabe led the Philippines with 21 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Bernardino bounced back in a big way with 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals after struggling in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament and the team’s Asiad opener against Kazakhstan.
Joson added 15 points and four rebounds, while Camille Malagar chipped in 14 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from the field. Elizabeth Means, meanwhile, finished with eight points, three rebounds, and three steals.
Gilas will close out its group-stage campaign against host Japan on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Hong Kong dropped its second straight loss in as many games to bow out of contention.
Li led Hong Kong with 30 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Tan Fung Ma added 17 points and six rebounds, while Tong Hiu Liu contributed 15 points in the losing effort.
Hong Kong will take on Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
The Scores
Philippines 90 – Berberabe 21, Bernardino 17, Joson 15, Malagar 14, Means 8, Pingol 6, Surada 4, Pontejos 3, Yam 2
Hong Kong 73 – Li 30, Ma 17, Tong 15, Kwan 7, Wong C. 2, Wong N. 2, Chiu 0, Cheung 0, Lau 0, Tsui 0
Quarterscores: 21-21, 46-40, 69-60, 90-73
