Gilas Pilipinas’ Afril Bernardino. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Ariya Kurniawan | Instagram @ariyakurniawan16
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines held off Thailand’s late rally on Sunday to pull out an 82-70 victory and stay on track for a podium finish in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games women’s basketball competition.
Afril Bernardino, Jack Animam, and Chack Cabinbin figured prominently in a 10-2 run halfway through the final frame to keep Gilas Pilipinas Women in control of the contest at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.
Bernardino had 18 points before leaving the game with a tweaked right ankle. Khate Castillo added 11 more as Animam and Cabinbin both tossed in 10 each as the Nationals improved to 4-1, tying Malaysia in the race.
The two nations break that tie for the silver medal at 12 p.m. Monday, with Gilas Women needing nothing more than their A-game as they battle a perennial contender in the Malaysians.
A gold medal finish has been officially ruled out just before Gilas played the Thais as Indonesia thrashed Singapore, 86-39, for a sweep of the showcase.
Rattiyakorn Udomsuk had 22 points, while Thunchanok Lumdabpang and Kanokwan Prajuapsook finished with twin-digit scores for Thailand which dropped to 1-4.
The Thais threatened to come back behind Jirawan Rungrueang’s triple, pulling within 68-63 until that feisty counterattack by the Gilas veterans.
The scores:
Philippines (82) – Bernardino 18, Castillo 11, Pontejos 11, Animam 10, Berberabe 9, Clarin 6, Surada 6, Fajardo 6, Cabinbin 2, Castro 2, Guytingco 2, Tongco 0.
Thailand (70) – Udomsuk 22, Lumdabpang 11, Prajuapsook 10, Thuamon 8, Supyen 5, Wongtapha 5, Kitraksa 3, Rungrueang 3, Maihom 3, Klunbut 0.
Quarterscores: 19-13, 46-38, 64-53, 82-70.