TAKING to heart the lessons they learned last year, the Gilas Pilipinas Under-16 women squad proved to be untouchable and finally realized a lofty goal yesterday.
Inspired by their belief that they have what it takes, the young Filipina cagers clobbered Iran 83-60 to bag the crown and gain a much-coveted promotion to Division A in the FIBA U-16 Women’s Asian Championship at the Prince Hamzah Stadium in Amman.
Nevaeh Smith totaled a team-high 21 points while Ava Fajardo chipped in 12 markers and nine assists.
Ariel Star de La O had a double-double of 10 and 10, while Rylee Palma and Kimi Sayson combined for 16 points.
The belles of coach Pat Aquino went into the final armed with a 79-44 ripping of Malaysia in the semifinals three days ago.
The Iranian lasses downed Hong Kong 64-58 to forge a one-game tiff in the Big Dance against Gilas women.
Helya Houdneh paced Iran with 14 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals, while Fatemeh Jafari also finished with 14 markers.
Malaysia bagged third place after scoring a 52-46 win over Hong Kong.
The Philippines finished third in last year’s edition after losing to Samoa in the semis.
