Gilas Pilipinas Women made a strong start to their FIBA 3×3 Nations League-Asia SEA Conference campaign, topping Stop 1 on Monday at Hextar World, Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
The Philippine quartet of Kennan Ka, Amyah Espanol, Jam Meniano, and Victoria Pasilang capped their dominant run with a 21-15 victory over Chinese Taipei in the final.
Meniano led the way for Gilas with nine points, while Espanol added five. Pasilang and Ka chipped in four and three points, respectively, as the Philippines earned 100 points for topping the stop.
Meniano took charge from the get-go, scoring six points as Gilas raced to a 10-4 lead.
Chinese Taipei threatened late, cutting the deficit to 18-14, but Meniano’s free throws with 1:12 remaining put the Philippines at match point. Espanol then sealed the victory with 10 seconds left.
Gilas Women dominated the pool stages, opening with a 21-7 rout of Vietnam before following it up with a 21-8 win over Malaysia.
Pasilang scored eight points against Vietnam, while the Philippines had a balanced scoring effort against Malaysia, with Ka scoring seven, Espanol six, and Pasilang five.
For Stop 2 on Tuesday, Marielle Vingno will be activated by head coach Anton Altamirano in place of Pasilang.
Gilas Women will face Vietnam and New Zealand in the group stages of Stop 2.
Meanwhile, Gilas Men failed to advance to the final after splitting their two pool-stage games. They routed Vietnam, 21-8, before suffering a 20-17 upset loss to Malaysia.
Wello Lingolingo and Shawn Tuano scored seven and six points, respectively, against Vietnam.
Tuano continued his stellar play against Malaysia with seven points, but Andrew Bongo, Rhyle Melencio, and Lingolingo could not sustain the team’s momentum as Gilas fell to Malaysia and settled for third place and 70 points.
For Stop 2, Gilas Men will field Doy Dungo and Luis Pablo alongside Lingolingo and Tuano.
Gilas Men will be grouped with Thailand and Chinese Taipei in Stop 2.
