SEA Games: Gilas Women close in on semis, go 3-0

Gilas Pilipinas Women huddle up after picking up another win in 3×3 basketball in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas Women closed on a semifinals slot after topping Indonesia, 16-13, in the 3×3 basketball event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games Sunday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Philippines, which beat Myanmar and Malaysia earlier in the day, rose to 3-0 in the six-nation event at 3-0, but not after fending off a gritty stand by the Indonesians.

A win over Vietnam on Tuesday will assure Gilas a ticket to the semifinals even if it ends up dropping a game against Thailand to end the preliminary round.

Gilas blew a commanding 8-1 after Indonesia pulled within two, 13-11, with still two minutes to go.

Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino fueled Gilas’ frenetic offense anew but it was on the defensive end, anchored by the versatile Jack Animan, where the game was won.

Animam made sure Gilas’ defense showed no letup especially late in the game where Indonesia just couldn’t see any openings.

Pontejos led her team with seven points, including a jumper that made it, 15-11, with only 1:02 remaining.