MANILA, Philippines — Dethroned as champs, the Gilas Pilipinas belles did the next best thing, beating Malaysia, 77-63, in a virtual playoff for second place at the close of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games women’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Morodok Techo Stadium Elephant Hall 2 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The Nationals led from the get-go and never surrendered the driver’s seat to end their campaign at 5-1, good for second spot behind new queen Indonesia that swept the tournament (6-0).
Indonesia, last edition’s silver medalist, previously smothered Gilas, 89-68, to deny the latter a three-peat.
Gilas still took care of business despite the costly defeat and took the next biggest prize with a coast-to-coast win over Malaysia behind the 24 points of Janine Pontejos.
The Gilas team captain fired five triples that went with three rebounds, two assists and two steals with Khate Castillo (18) backstopping him with four treys of her own.
Camille Clarin, Afril Bernardino and Chack Cabinbin added nine, seven and six points, respectively, while Jack Animam hauled down six points and 13 rebounds in her SEA Games return.
Animam did not play in Hanoi, Vietnam last time due to a knee injury but Gilas still successfully defended the crown.