MANILA, Philippines – A blistering third quarter propelled Gilas Women to a triumphant debut in the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam as they clobbered Indonesia, 93-77, on Monday, May 16.

Afril Bernardino scattered 16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks at the Thanh Tri District Sporting Hall in Hanoi to show the way for the Filipinas to a promising start in their title-retention bid.

Indonesia kept in step with the Philippines in the first half, trailing by just a single possession before Gilas Women gradually pulled away in the third quarter.

The Filipinas opened the third frame with a 16-6 run highlighted by back-to-back triples from Ana Castillo and Gabi Bade for a 56-44 lead and the Indonesians fell apart from there.

Gilas Women outscored Indonesia 32-19 in the third period.

“They played so hard. What can I ask for,” said Philippines head coach Pat Aquino as Gilas Women tallied 18 steals, which they converted to 23 points. “That is what we’ve been working on for the last couple of months.

“Hopefully, we can sustain that.”

Janine Pontejos backstopped Bernardino with 15 points and 3 assists as the two look to redeem themselves in 5-on-5 basketball after failing to defend the Philippines’ gold medal in 3×3 play.

Bade – the daughter of former PBA player Chris – finished with 11 points and 2 steals in her SEA Games debut, while Camille Clarin added another 11 points.

Chack Cabinbin also made her presence felt with 8 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals for the Philippines, which will face 2019 SEA Games finals foe Thailand on Wednesday.

Indonesia banked on Nathania Claresta Orville, who delivered a game-high 19 points, in the loss.

The Scores

Philippines 93 – Bernardino 16, Pontejos 15, Clarin 11, Bade 11, Cabinbin 8, Guytingco 6, Surada 6, Castillo 5, Castro 5, Berberabe 4, Tongco 4, Fajardo 2.

Indonesia 77 – Claresta 19, Antonio 12, Pierre-Louis 11, Pratita 9, Callista 8, Elya Gradita 7, Sutijono 6, Lestari 3, Sophia 2, Anggraeni 0, Nanda Perdana 0.

Quarters: 17-17, 40-38, 72-57, 93-77.

– Rappler.com