MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas Women punched their ticket to the 2026 Asian Games quarterfinals in emphatic fashion, pulling away in the second half to rout Hong Kong, China, 90-73, on Sunday at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.
Stefanie Berberabe spearheaded the Filipinas’ balanced attack with a team-high 21 points, including four three-pointers, as Gilas improved to a perfect 2-0 record and secured a place in the knockout stage.
Afril Bernardino imposed her presence inside with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Jhazmin Jozon contributed 15 points and Camille Malagar added 14 markers.
The Filipinas had to shake off a stubborn Hong Kong side before breaking the game open.
The two teams battled to a 21-all deadlock after the opening quarter before Gilas began asserting control in the second period and carried a 46-40 advantage into halftime.
The Philippines stretched its lead to double digits, 50-40, early in the third quarter, but Hong Kong caught fire from beyond the arc and trimmed the deficit to just two points, 54-52.
Gilas responded by regaining its offensive rhythm and tightening its defense, closing the third period with a 69-60 advantage.
The Filipinas then delivered the knockout blow in the fourth quarter.
Berberabe, Janine Pontejos and Malagar fueled the decisive surge as Gilas steadily pulled away, eventually building its biggest lead to 20 points and putting the game beyond Hong Kong’s reach.
Li Tsz Kwan carried Hong Kong with a game-high 30 points, including five three-pointers, while Ma Tan Fung scored 17 and Tong Hiu Lui chipped in 15.
With a quarterfinal berth already secured, Gilas Women will face host Japan at noon on Tuesday as the Filipinas attempt to complete a sweep of the group stage./PN
