Gilas Women turn back Samoa to go 2-0 in Fiba Asia U18

Gilas Pilipinas team in the Fiba U18 Women’s Asian Championship Division B. –FIBA BASKETBALL

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines got its act together just in time to ward off Samoa, 66-59, in the Fiba U18 Women’s Asian Championship Tuesday night in India.

Sumayah Sugapong and Kristan Yumul starred for the Nationals who got a measure of vengeance against the Kira-May Filemu-led opposition that dimmed the Philippines’ chances in the U-16 showcase last June.

Sugapong paced Gilas Women Youth with 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Yumul added 16 more in the scoring effort that gave the Philippines a 2-0 record and the solo lead in the Division B meet at Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru.

The Philippines saw its 18-point edge slowly evaporate in the game.

Fortunately, France campaigner Louna Ozar came through in the most critical of times, restoring order in the fourth frame and preserving the heroics of fellow newcomer Sugapong and the seasoned Yumul.

Ozar finished with 10. Kate Bobadilla, meanwhile, added eight more.

Filemu showed the way for the Samoans with 19 points, 13 rebounds that went with two assists.

The Philippines will try to annex a third straight win and gain outright passage to the Final Four when it takes on 0-2 Maldives on Wednesday afternoon in Manila.

Samoa, meanwhile, dropped to 1-1 joining Thailand.

The grand prize of the tournament is the privilege of being promoted to the next level which features Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Indonesia.

The Scores:

PHILIPPINES 66 — Sugapong 28, Yumul 16, Bobadilla 10, Ozar 8, Nolasco 6, Heyn 0, Loon 0, Abraham 0.
SAMOA 59 — Filemu 19, Ruud 13, Brown 8, Finau-Stephano 8, A. Manumaleuga 6, Leiataatimu 3, Joseph 1, Foa’i-Auimatagi 1, P. Manumaleuga 0.

Quarters: 21-9, 33-20, 49-40, 66-59.