Gilas Women turned in its finest performance to date to clobber host Vietnam by 31, 118-87, to remain perfect in the 31st Southeast Asian Games basketball competitions, Thursday night at the Thanh Tri Gymnasium in Hanoi.
Khate Castillo led the assault with 25 points, nine of which she produced in the opening quarter that saw the Filipinas erupt for 40 points — twice the output of their foes in the same period — to set the tone for the dominant conquest.
The spitfire guard out of La Salle shot 69-percent from the floor and accounted for seven of the reigning titlists’ whopping 17 three-pointers, which ultimately led to the highest scoring output by any team, men or women, in the tournament.
Gilas made 53-percent of its shots en route to its third straight win. But it wasn’t just an offensive masterpiece as the repeat seekers also defended mercilessly, forcing the home team to commit 20 turnovers and turned it into 37 points.
Afril Bernardino finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds for her second double-double outing in a row. She also had three steals and two blocks.
Gabi Bade produced 14 points as well on four triples, including one that pushed their lead to the game’s largest at 37, 107-70, with 5:25 left.
Camille Clarin contributed 11 points on a perfect 5-of-5 clip from the field, while center Clare Castro supplied 10 markers in the conquest.
The Philippines will have a day of rest before taking on Singapore on Saturday, May 21, at 10 a.m. (Manila time) for its penultimate assignment.
Kaylynne Truong led Vietnam with 30 points in the loss, the hosts’ second in three outings. Mailee Jones provided 29 points on seven treys.
Nguyen Ti Theu Duy made 15 points and six rebounds, while Anh Dao Tran added 11 as only five players scored in the crushing defeat.
The Scores:
Philippines (118) – Castillo 25, Bade 14, Bernardino 14, Clarin 11, Castro 10, Janine 9, Berberabe 9, Guytingco 8, Tongco 6, Fajardo 6, Cabinbin 4, Surada 2.
Vietnam (87) – Truong 30, Jones 29, Duy 15, Tran 11, Tien 2, Nhan 0, Ngoan 0, Hang 0, Tien 0, Van 0.
Quarterscores: 40-20, 58-35, 90-62, 118-87.
