GILAS Pilipinas Women made a statement in their Asian Games debut, overpowering Kazakhstan, 86-58, on Thursday at the Aichi International Arena despite missing key players Jack Animam and Kacey Dela Rosa.
The Philippine squad overcame a significant height disadvantage with aggressive defense, quick ball movement and efficient shooting to secure a commanding victory in its opening Group B assignment.
Elizabeth Means led the Filipinas with 23 points, including three three-pointers, and four rebounds, while Stefanie Berberabe added 11 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Gilas used its speed to pressure the Kazakhs into committing 34 turnovers. The Filipinas also collected 26 steals while shooting 53 percent from two-point range, 31 percent from beyond the arc and 91 percent from the free-throw line.
The Philippine defense immediately set the tone, forcing nine turnovers in the opening quarter and building a 25-9 advantage.
Means and Janine Pontejos combined for 13 points in the first period to fuel Gilas’ early offensive surge.
Kazakhstan managed to produce 23 points in the second quarter, but the Philippines maintained its cushion and entered halftime ahead, 49-32.
The Filipinas then delivered a decisive third-quarter performance, outscoring Kazakhstan, 27-8, to stretch the lead to 76-40 heading into the final period.
Kazakhstan’s Tamara Noiok finished with 11 points, while Anna Bezgodova posted a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. (Adrian Co)
