Gilas Women stay in Fiba Asia Division A after beating India
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Women avoided relegation after breaking their winless spell at the expense of India, 74-70, in the 2021 Fiba Asia Women’s Cup Division A Friday early morning (Manila time) at Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan.
With its lone victory in the tournament, the Philippines ended the tournament at seventh place–after going 0-3 in the group stage–and assured its spot in Fiba’s Level I rankings for women’s teams.
Article continues after this advertisementJanine Pontejos and Khate Castillo lit up for the Philippines as they combined for the team’s 11 three-pointers in the game.
Castillo had 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting from deep while Pontejos also had 22 points with five rebounds and three steals.
Afril Bernardino nearly came away with a five-by-five for Gilas Pilipinas Women with nine points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and four blocks.
Article continues after this advertisementIndia’s loss meant that the nation will play in Division B for the 2023 Asia Cup.
Shireen Vijay Limaye led India with 23 points and 13 rebounds while Pushpa Senthil Kumar had her own double-double of 21 points and 12 boards but their individual brilliance weren’t enough for them to take the win.