Resultay’s heroics push Perlas Pilipinas past North Korea

MANILA, Philippines – Cindy Resultay played the hero for the Philippine women’s basketball team on Sunday, August 30, as Perlas Pilipinas climbed back from a 16-point deficit to edge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (commonly known as North Korea), 68-67, in Group B of the FIBA Asia Women’s Championship in Wuhan, China. 

Resultay was fouled in the act of converting a jump shot with 40 seconds left to play. She hit the free throw, giving the Philippines a 68-66 lead. Mi Gyong Jang of North Korea hit 1 of 2 free throws after being fouled by Marizze Tongco on the next possession. 

North Korea had a chance to go ahead with 7 seconds remaining but Jang turned the ball over, leading to a Philippines timeout and the eventual win.

Resultay finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds while Allana Lim contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds. Afril Bernardino and Raiza Dy both scored 11 points each.

Hyang Jong Pak and Suk Yong Ro contributed 19 and 21 for North Korea respectively.

Both sides corralled 48 rebounds but the Philippines had a significant edge in bench scoring (28 to 12) and points in the paint (46 to 22). 

The game had no television coverage in the Philippines, and eager fans could only follow via live stats from FIBA.

With the win, the Philippines bounces back from a loss to Malaysia on opening day of the tournament. The Philippines will play Sri Lanka on Monday, August 31 at 9 am. Sri Lanka is currently 0-2 after an 82-35 thrashing loss to North Korea and a 27-52 loss to Hong Kong to open the tournament. – Rappler.com