Games Wednesday
(Enderun Gym)
4 p.m. – Pilipinas Aguilas vs San Juan
6 p.m. – New Zealand-Bluefire vs PSP
8 p.m. – Navy vs Discovery
Philippine Navy fended off a late rally from the Pilipinas Aguilas to secure a 72-65 victory in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) on Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Mandaluyong City College Science and Technology Gym.
Both teams, featuring top-tier talent, delivered an intense battle in the invitational tournament.The game remained close until the final two minutes.
Kem Adeshima’s layup pulled the Aguilas within three, 65-68, but Navy, tightened its defense. Andrea Tongco then sank a crucial floater with 32 seconds left, extending the Lady Sailors’ lead to five. Josephine Ong sealed the win with two free throws in the final 10 seconds.
“We really planned kung anong ibabato namin sa kanila, so thank God nag-materialize naman ‘yung defense namin,” said Navy head coach Ewon Arayi after the hard-fought victory.
Afril Bernardino led the charge with a game-high 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists as the Lady Sailors improved to 2-0. Gemma Miranda also recorded a double-double with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and four steals, while Ong contributed 14 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting, along with five assists.
On the other side, Elaine Etang paced the 1-1 Aguilas with 17 points, while Mar Prado finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Adeshima chipped in seven points and 10 boards.
Meanwhile, the San Juan Lady Knights improved to 2-0, and the Centro Escolar University (CEU) Lady Scorpions bounced back with the Lady Knights securing a 44-37 win over the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, securing a 44-37 victory.
The CEU Lady Scorpions, on the other hand, escaped with a 68-65 win over EZ Jersey Relentless to pick up their first victory.
Claire Tapinit led CEU with 14 points and five assists but struggled with seven turnovers. Diana Defeles added 12 points, while Moahna Cadano recorded a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds, helping CEU even its record at 1-1.
