Pinays boost FIBA U16 campaign

MANILA, Philippines — The undefeated Gilas Pilipinas girls’ youth team bolstered its Division A promotion bid by clinching an outright semifinals berth in the 2022 FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship in Amman, Jordan.

The Filipina teens completed a sweep of Pool A highlighted by a 94-65 win against Samoa over the weekend to advance straight to the Final Four of the Division B tilt.

Kristian Yumul led the way with 22 markers, five assists and two steals in only 20 minutes of action as the Gilas girls scored a 29-point victory.

Naomi Panganiban (14) and Princess Villarin (13) threw in help for the wards of coach Brian Rosario and Julie Amos.

Gilas previously smothered Indonesia, 104-68, before besting Syria with a close 92-86 victory.

Already in the semis, Gilas will enjoy a one-day breather as the second and third-seeded teams scramble for the last two Final Four tickets.

Gilas will face either Kazakhstan or Samoa anew tomorrow while Pool B leader and fellow semifinalist Lebanon awaits the winner between Syria and Iran.

A title for the Filipinas in Division B would catapult them to the elite Division A featuring Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and India.

Gilas is eyeing the same route taken by India in 2017 after ruling the Division B to join the prestigious Division A.