SEAG: Gilas Women overcome Indonesia, advance to gold medal match

The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team is off to the gold medal match of the women’s 5-on-5 basketball event at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The Philippines moved a step closer to securing its third gold medal in the biennial meet after dethroning defending champion Indonesia, 66-55, in their Thursday afternoon semifinal clash at Nimibutr Stadium. “This was a tough game. They are the defending champions, so we’re just so happy that we won this game,” said Gilas head coach Patrick Aquino, whose squad can clinch the gold on Friday at 5:30 p.m. against the winner of the other semifinal between Thailand and Malaysia. Once again leading the Nationals was Kacey Dela Rosa, who tallied 21 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, four steals, and two assists, while providing support was Afril Bernardino (165-G-1991), who finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and two each of assists, steals, and blocks. With Indonesia keeping within striking distance in what was a 10-point game late in the final period, Janine Pontejos (165-G-1992) drilled a crucial three-pointer with over three minutes remaining to extend the Philippines’ lead to 63-50. That basket gave the former champions a chance to respond, but Gilas’ defense stood firm, while Dela Rosa iced the contest from the freethrow line. Adelaide Wongshojardjo led Indonesia with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals, but it was not enough to carry them back to the Finals.
Courtesy of: abs-cbn.com