SEA Games: Pontejos, Bernardino push Gilas past Malaysia in 3×3

The Philippines’ Janine Pontejos tries to score against Malaysia. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas Women had their work cut out for them in a 15-13 squeaker over Malaysia in 3×3 basketball of the 30th Southeast Asian Games Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

After banking on its size advantage in a blowout win over Myanmar earlier in the day, it was the guards turn to carry the Philippines.

Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino came up big down the stretch for the Nationals, who hiked their record to 2-0.

Crowd favorite Pontejos put on a show with five points, most of which came in the crucial stages.

Bernardino’s quickness also caused problems for the Malaysians, who missed a potential game-tying deuce as time ran out.

Pontejos was feeling it late. She scored back-to-back baskets to put the Philippines up, 15-10.

The Filipinos, who clobbered Myanmar, 21-4, behind bigs Clare Castro and Jack Animam in their opening game, wrap up their campaign in day one against Indonesia later in the day.