Clare Castro, Gilas Women rip Myanmar in SEA Games 3×3 opener

Gilas Pilipinas Women center Clare Castro scores against Myanmar. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—With a glaring height advantage, Gilas Pilipinas Women turned to their bigs to overpower Myanmar, 21-4, in 3×3 basketball in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

There was no stopping Clare Castro in the paint as the 6-foot-4 center from Far Eastern University imposed her will with eight points.

Electrifying guard Janine Pontejos dazzled with her ball wizardry and provided the outside threat with all of her six points coming from downtown.

Pontejos’ last deuce ended Myanmar’s misery with 3:21 to spare.

Gilas scored the first four points of the game in just a span of 30 seconds but the Filipinos put the game out of reach when 6-foot-2 forward Jack Animam joined Castro on the floor.

Animam compounded Myanmar’s woes with her all-around effort. Afril Bernardino also had her fair share of contributions with her quickness and slashing ability.

Gilas hopes to make it 2-0 against Malaysia later at 1:20 p.m.

This year marked the first time that 3-on-3 basketball is being contested at the SEA Games.