Afril Bernardino and Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 made sure to send a statement in their first game in the qualification round of the 2019 FIBA 3X3 Asia Cup.
The Philippines notched the widest margin in FIBA 3X3 Asia Cup history, whipping Samoa 21-1, Wednesday afternoon in Changsha, China.
Afril Bernardino played with no remorse all game long, scoring, assisting, rebounding, and stealing at will. The burly guard ended up with eight points.
Bernardino set the tone for Gilas Women’s, scoring three of the first four points of the Philippines. Clare Castro then proved her worth, scoring back-to-back baskets to give the Philippines a 7-0 lead.
The 6-foot-4 FEU Lady Tamaraw added six markers.
The Samoans’ only basket came from the charity stripe with 7:59 on the clock – a free throw by Carolett Autufuga.
The Filipinas continue to run roughshod on the hapless Samoans.
The Philippines then capped off a spectacular outing with a long deuce from reigning World Cup Shootout champion Janine Pontejos with 2:30 still on the clock.
Pontejos had five points, while Animam added two points.
With this, the Philippines goes to 1-0 in the Qualifying Pool A. The top placer in the four-team group will advance to the tournament proper on Monday.
Gilas Women’s 3×3 will still face Chinese-Taipei later at 4:10 pm.
The Scores:
Philippines 21 – Bernardino 8, Castro 6, Pontejos 5, Animam 2.
Samoa 1 – Autufuga 1, Sua 0, Vaimauga 0, Sa’u 0.
