SEA Games: Gilas Women overcome Indonesia to jumpstart gold bid

Jack Danielle Animam of the Philippines against Gabriel Sophia of Indonesia at the Mall of Asia Arena for the 30th Southeast Asian Games. INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Riding high after their gold medal win in 3×3 basketball, Gilas Pilipinas women carved out a 63-56 win over Indonesia in a bruising battle to kick off their gold medal bid in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Thursday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Philippines, which is still searching its first ever gold in women’s 5-on-5 basketball, rose from a seven-point deficit in the third quarter behind a collective effort before Kelli Hayes, Jack Animam, and Janine Pontejos buckled down to work in the final frame.

Pontejos, the feisty guard, led the Filipinos with 16 points, including four free throws inside the final 40 seconds to clinch the victory over the 2017 bronze medalists.

The Fil-American Hayes added 12 points while Animam, who played with a protective mask after coming off an eye injury, had a near double-double with nine points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.