Gilas Pilipinas Women one win away from SEA Games gold in 3×3

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas Women stared at a four-point deficit before Janine Pontejos had one of her hot streaks.

Pontejos took matters into her own hands to shoot the Philippines past Vietnam, 21-12, and into the gold medal match of the 30th Southeast Asian Games 3×3 basketball event Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Down 5-9, Gilas turned to its explosive guard, who delivered by spearheading a blistering run.

Pontejos scored all of her eight points during the Filipinos’ 16-3 run to end the game, capping it with the game-sealing deuce off an Afril Bernardino block that triggered a wild celebration from the crowd.

The Philippines will face either Thailand or Malaysia for the gold later.

The Thais dealt the Filipinos their only loss in the preliminary round.