Kate Bobadilla stars as Gilas beats Thais in Fiba Asia U18

Kate Bobadilla bring down the ball during a game against Thailand in the 2022 Fiba U18 Women’s Asian Championship. Photo by Fiba

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Youth needed a strong finishing kick to fend off Thailand, 65-50, to open its bid in the Fiba U18 Women’s Asian Championship on Monday at Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bengaluru, India.

The Gilas girls pulled away in the fourth quarter after going on a 19-7 surge capped by a Kate Bobadilla 3-pointer with 2:19 remaining.

Bobadilla fired eight of her game-high 22 points in the final frame, where the Philippines limited Thailand to just 12 points.

Making her Gilas debut, Bobadilla was efficient, shooting 8-of-15 from the field including 3-of-6 from downtown. She also had four steals.

The Philippines also forced the Thais to turn the ball over 29 times, 20 were off steals.

Kristan Yumul helped Gilas’ cause with 10 points and four rebounds while Sumayah Sugapong nearly had a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds that went with five steals. Louna Ozar also made her presence felt on both ends with eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Laksamee Hewchaiyaphum led Thailand with 10 points and seven rebounds in a losing effort.

Gilas goes for a 2-0 start in Group A against Samoa on Tuesday.