By REYNALD MAGALLON
Determined to ease the pain after a heartbreaking loss to Malaysia in the semifinals, Gilas Pilipinas U18 women’s team vented its ire on Samoa, 84-68, to take the bronze medal in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in India on Sunday, Sept. 11.
Still reeling from that defeat that enied them a shot at the Division A promotion, the Filipinas had to buck a slow start that saw them trail by as many as 14 points in the first half.
A huge third quarter showing completely changed the complexion of the game as the Nationals outscored the Samoans 28-8 to take a 10-point lead 59-49 heading into the final frame.
It was all Gilas from there as the Filipina dribblers continued their onslaught building a lead that went to as high as 16 points in the final frame.
Sumayah Sugapong was at the forefront of that telling run finishing with 27 points, nine steals and six rebounds while Louna Ozar and Kristan Yumul added 15 and 14 points respectively. Lian Loon and Kate Bobadilla were the other Filipinas who finished in double-figures with 11 and 10.
Malia Jae Ruud paced Samoa with a huge double-double with 30 points and 13 rebounds but were not enough as her team couldn’t get back at the Filipinos who also defeated them in the group stage, 66-59.
