Gilas women blast Lebanon to earn Division promotion

Take a bow, Gilas Pilipinas girls. The Gilas Pilipinas girls earned a promotion to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division A after blasting Lebanon, 95-64, in the final of the tourney's Division B play Sunday afternoon at the Futian Sports Park in China. Alyssa Rodriguez (174-G/F-2007) spearheaded the Philippines with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-13 field goal shooting. Alicia Villanueva (168-PG-2006) added 15 markers. With the Philippines holding on to a three-point lead, 20-17, after the first quarter, Gilas went on a rampage in the second quarter. The Filipinas broke the game wide open outscoring their opponents 33 to 9 to break the game wide open, 53-26, heading into the half. The big lead was not squandered as the Filipina teenagers breezed through to the finish line. The advantage grew to as much as 41 points, 89-48, with a 3-pointer by Naomi Panganiban (163-PG-2006). Panganiban chipped in 13 markers, while Sophia Canindo (175-SF-2007) and Ava Fajardo (163-G-2007) added 10 markers apiece for the Philippines, who made 15 of their 39 3-pointers. Reem El Ghali (181-F-2007) paced Lebanon with 31 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. The Philippines did not lose a game in the tournament, steamrolling past every opponent en route to the championship finish.
Courtesy of: philstar.com