Gilas Pilipinas Women in the 31st SEA Games. SBP PHOTO
The Philippines now stands at the doorstep of a successful title defense in the Southeast Asian Games following a 88-61 drubbing of Singapore in women’s basketball tournament on Saturday morning.
Gilas Pilipinas women drew 15 points from Clare Castro, 14 from both Khate Castillo and Janine Pontejos, and 11 more from Angel Surada for a fourth straight victory in the showcase at Thanh Tri Gymnasium in Hanoi.
The Nationals held the enemy to just six points in the opening frame and then tightened the noose on defense in the third period to coast to another empathic win.
The Philippines has been winning by an average of 22.5 points in the tournament where it is a cinch to emerge as champion again.
Gilas has been the only unbeaten side in the race and could complete a sweep when it plays Malaysia 2-1 on Sunday also 10 a.m.
The scores
Philippines (88) – Castro 15, Castillo 14, Pontejos 14, Surada 11, Bade 8, Bernardino 7, Clarin 6, Berberabe 5, Fajardo 3, Tongco 3, Cabinbin 2, Guytingco 0.
Singapore (61) – Chu 16, Yan 13, Chan 8, Lim 5, Ang 4, See 3, Han 3, Chin 3, Lim 2, Choong 2, Yeo 2, Poon 0.
Quarters: 18-6, 40-21, 68-37, 88-61.