Smashing debut for Jack Animan and company.
It is an open secret that Cambodia hired mercenaries to reinforce their women’s basketball team in the Southeast Asian Games.
The strategy didn’t pay off—not against the inspired Gilas Pilipinas Women, who began their quest for a historic third consecutive SEA Games gold medal with a 114-54 pummeling of the hosts.
Ranged against a taller team full of naturalized players, the nationals endured some tense moments in the first quarter and a highly partisan crowd before pulling away in the second frame.
The nationals started the second quarter with a precarious 22-20 lead, but outscored the Cambodians, 34-9, on the strength of their up-tempo attack fueled by an unforgiving full-court defense that forced the opposition into committing 21 first-half turnovers.
The high-octane action continued in the third canto, with Gilas Pilipinas Women stifling their counterparts with that same unforgiving end-to-end pressure that saw the nationals getting steal after steal after steal—including several right at Cambodia’s backcourt. By the end of the third frame, Gilas had already doubled up Cambodia, 90-45, thanks to another 34-point effort. Gilas cruised in the fourth with the win well in hand.
The returning Jack Animam led the way for Gilas, posting 16 points and 8 rebounds, while guard Afril Bernardino contributed 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals.
The Pat Aquino-coached team will next take on Singapore on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Catch it live on One Sports+.
(GM)