BOLSTERED by its outside shooting, the Gilas Pilipinas Women squad remained untouchable last Sunday night.
The young Filipina cagers ripped Samoa 94-65 to complete a sweep in Group A and reach the semifinals of the FIBA Under-16 women’s Asian championship Division B at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman.
Kristan Geyl Yumul boomed in five three-pointers and finished with a team-high 22 points for Gilas, which clinched an outright semifinals slot in the eight-nation meet and more importantly took a step closer to advancing to Division A.
Naomi Panganiban added 14 markers, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals for the nationals, while BJ Villarin had 13 and seven.
Samantha Medina, Camille Nolasco, and Kailah Jade Oani scored nine points each, while Gabby Ramos hauled down 10 boards and had four markers for Gilas, which shot 14-of-40 from deep.
Gilas whipped Indonesia 104-68 in its opener last Friday before following it up with a 92-86 triumph over Syria three days ago.
The belles of coaches Julie Amos and Brian Rosario raced to a fast start and took their biggest lead at 94-63 on a Sierra Jade Patricio triple in the final 52.1 seconds.
Gilas is waiting for its semifinal opponent tomorrow, raring to return to Division A for the first time after 13 years.
As the top seed of its Pool, Gilas Women will take on the winner of the playoff between Group A third seed Samoa and Group B second seed, still to be decided among Iran, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, and Jordan.
Kira-May Filemu led the Samoans, who dropped to 1-2, with 28 points and 27 rebounds, while Azaleeah Oloapu contributed 18 markers and 12 boards.
