Gilas U18 women crack Asian elite group
Gilas U18 women crack Asian elite group
MANILA, Philippines — The Gilas Pilipinas women looked at the Division A ticket like it’s theirs for the taking – from start to finish.
And in runaway fashion, Gilas Pilipinas swept the opposition highlighted by a 95-64 domination of Lebanon in the finale to win the Division B honors and earn rightful place in the Division A of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup yesterday at the Futian Sports Park in China.
It was their second meeting with Lebanon and the Gilas belles took a similar blowout win, replicating a rousing 89-63 victory in their group phase clash.
Coach Julie Amos’ troops scored a majestic 5-0 wipeout of Division B, and, thus, will be joining the giants of the regions in Division A play in the next edition of the meet.
The U18 team’s achievement completed the trifecta of the Gilas women program under director Pat Aquino. The Philippines is now in Division A in the seniors, U16 and U18.
Alyssa Kae Rodriguez sizzled with 22 points to lead five players in double figures.
Rodriguez fired six treys and had three steals in only 22 minutes of play while Alicia Margarett Villanueva and Naomi Natalie Panganiban added 15 and 13 points, respectively, for Gilas that unleashed a staggering 33-9 run in the second period to pull away for good.
Ava Fajardo and Sophia Anne Dominique Canindo threw in 10 points each in Gilas’ 31-point win.
Gilas earlier pummeled Maldives, 141-18, and won by default over Syria in the pool play. The Filipinas then blasted the Samoans, 71-47, in the semis.
Reem El Ghali and Maygen Naassan had 31 and 19 points, respectively, in a silver medal-finish for Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Samoa took home the bronze medal after a 64-59 win over Iran behind 22 points from Peata Manumaleuga.