Gilas Women salvage bronze in Fiba Asia U18 after missing out on promotion

Gilas Women U18 team celebrates third place finish in the Fiba U-18 Women’s Asian Championship. –FIBA BASKETBALL

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines used a feisty third quarter to pick apart Samoa, 84-68, on Sunday to end its Fiba U18 Women’s Asian Championship on a winning note.

Fresh from a heartbreaking overtime loss to Malaysia the night before, the Gilas Pilipinas women’s youth team salvaged a bronze medal in India after venting their ire and repeating over the Samoans, outscoring the opposition 28-8 in the third frame.

Starring for the Filipinos in the duel at Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium is program newcomer Sumayah Sugapong who was spectacular on both ends of the court.

The 16-year-old UC San Diego commit finished with 27 points, six rebounds, and two assists that came with nine cutthroat steals.

Louna Ozar, also a new face for the Pat Aquino-coached crew, finished with 15 to go with mainstay Kristan Yumul’s 14.

Though the Philippines missed out on the grandest prize—which is tabbing a promotion back to the powerhouse-laden Division A—the Nationals still managed to get a measure of revenge.

It could be recalled that Samoa denied the Philippines, 88-73, in the semifinals of the U16 showcase in Jordan last June, on the way to emerging as the champion of the tournament.

The two nations’ group phase meeting this tournament saw the Philippines take home a 66-59 victory with Sugapong also leading the way with 28 points.

Ashley Loon had 11 points for Gilas, while Kate Bobadilla tossed in 10 more in the victory.

Meanwhile, Malia Rudd finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds for Samoa in the losing effort.

Kira-May Filemu, who was part of that U16 crew that frustrated Gilas two months ago, had 13 points. Leina-Nila Talase Leiataatimu chipped in 10 more.

The scores:

Philippines 84 – Sugapong 27, Ozar 15, Yumul 14, Loon 11, Bobadilla 10, Nolasco 7, Heyn 0, Calvert 0, Udal 0, Villarin 0.

Samoa 68 – Ruud 30, Filemu 13, Leiataatimu 10, Tauiliili 6, A. Manumaleuga 5, Finau-Stephano 2, Brown 2, Foa’i-Auimatagi 0.

Quarterscores: 13-17; 31-41; 59-49; 84-68.