MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas Women wasted a double-digit lead before escaping with an 81-75 victory over Malaysia in the 30th Southeast Asian Games women’s basketball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After seeing its 12-point third quarter lead turn into a six-point deficit on Sunday night, Ana Castillo drained back-to-back triples to tie the score at 74-all, then Danica Jose split her foul shots for a one-point lead.
The Philippines extended its lead to 79-74 with Janine Pontejos converting two free throws and nailing a basket with under a minute left.
Afril Bernardino iced the win with two free throws. She finished the match with 18 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a steal, while Jack Aninam had a double-double as well with 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Philippines.
Castillo produced 11 points built on three three-pointers while Pontejos chimed in 10 markers, three boards, and two steals.
The Gilas Women will face Thailand in the gold medal match.
“Wow. What a game. We were down by six in the last five minutes. They never gave up. I’m so proud of them, diving for that ball, and talagang they found a way to really win. I’m just happy we survived again,” said head coach Patrick Aquino.
Fook Yee Yap had 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists to lead the dethroned champion Malaysia./PN
