Gilas Pilipinas’ Alicia Villanueva against the Maldives in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup in China on Monday. –Fiba Asia Photo
MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas picked Maldives with methodical precision on Monday, 141-18, for a rousing start in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup Division B in Shenzen, China.
The young Nationals came out of the gates hard, racing to a 22-0 lead to take early control of the contest at Futian Sports Park.
Alicia Villanueva, who starred for the Philippines in last month’s Asia Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand, picked up where she left off with 18 points.
READ: Gilas U18 squad eyes sweep for promotion, redemption
Jolzyne Impreso chipped in 18 points as well, with seven more of Julie Amos’ charges scoring at least 12 points in the blowout which was a repeat of the two nations’ last encounter in the previous edition of the meet held in India two years ago.
Gilas put the game beyond doubt as early as the second quarter where the Filipinas went on a 47-0 rampage for a 99-14 edge in the next period.
The Philippines will next face Lebanon, another country it easily beat the last time.
Gilas Girls are shooting for a Division A promotion, which will send them to the main tournament where top-flight countries like China, Japan, and Australia are playing.