By REYNALD MAGALLON
The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team picked up where it left off and dominated Singapore, 94-63, to notch its second win in the women’s 5-on-5 basketball competition in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Elephant Hall 2 at the Morodok Techo National Stadium on Thursday, May 11.
The Filipinas turned in a huge third quarter onslaught, tightening up their defensive screws while also picking up the pace on the offensive end to put the game away with a telling 22-5 start to the second half.
Khate Castillo spearheaded the assault with 14 points while Afril Bernardino and Ella Fajardo provided 11 each as Gilas improved to 2-0 in the standings.
Playing for a second straight day or since the team opened the tournament with a 60-point, 114-54 drubbing of host Cambodia, the Filipinas took some time to create separation from the hard-fighting Singaporeans.
Although Gilas managed to build a double-digit lead at the end of the opening frame, 25-14, the Singaporean showed a gallant stand and cut the deficit to just seven, 45-38, at the break.
Gilas stepped on the gas pedal in the third frame and once again utilized its suffocating full court press. When the dust settled, Gilas was already ahead by a mile, 67-43, heading into the final frame.
Singapore showed some fight despite the blowout but Gilas simply proved to be too good as the game ended with the Filipinas holding onto the biggest lead of the contest at 33.
Amanda Zhi Yan paced her team with 18 points while Chu Yin Chan added 13 in a losing effort.
