Gilas Pilipinas women after wrapping up their Fiba Asia Cup Division 1 campaign. FIBA BASKETBALL
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.
Janine 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.
India’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.