By MARK REY MONTEJO
Gilas Pilipinas Girls opened their campaign in dominant fashion after crushing host Thailand, 103-58, in the SEABA Women’s Asia Cup Qualifiers on Friday, May 24, at Ratchaburi Gymnasium in Thailand.
The Filipinas went berserk in the second quarter and never looked back from there as they secured their spot in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B in Shenzhen, China which kicks off next month.
NU-Nazareth standout Alicia Villanueva paced Gilas with her 25-point output while San Diego State’s prospect Naomi Panganiban and Gabby Ramos backstopped her by scoring 16 apiece.
Gilas skipper Ava Fajardo, sister of national team member Ella, added seven points.
The Filipinas clamped down on defense to force Thailand to commit 28 turnovers and a 0-22 shooting from the three-point territory.
Natsuda Boonpech topscored for Thailand with 16 points while Kleetawadee Oudnun added 14 in a losing effort.
The Philippines will next face Malaysia Saturday, May 25, at the same venue.
