SINGAPORE—The Philippine Girls’ Team used its stifling defense to score an easy 30-point rout over Indonesia, 78-48, Tuesday and moved a win shy of the gold in the 9th ASEAN Schools Games.
Playing inspired ball at the Tampines Sports Hub, the Filipino girls imposed their will on defense, resulting in 13 turnovers, which they translated into easy baskets.
Sharp-shooting guard Kent Jane Pastrana top-scored with 20 markers, including three triples, but sat out in the final period after she banged knees with Indonesian player Sophia Adventa.
Gypsy Mae Canuto also did not play in the last quarter after she suffered a similar injury.
But their absence did not matter as the game was already decided for the Philippines at the end of the third period.
The team, mentored by Angelina Fedillarga, got other contributions from other key players such as Kristine Cayabyab and Karl Ann Pingol, who scored 13 and 11 points, respectively.
With the win, the PH dribblers remained unbeaten after three games. A win over Singapore Wednesday will give them the gold medal.
Over at the Republic Polytechnic, the Philippines girls’ volleyball team suffered its first defeat, a close one at the hands of Thailand in five sets, 26-15, 24-26, 22-25, 25-22, 14-16.
Towering spikers, led by Ejiya Laure, Alleiah Malaluan and Allysa Solomon carried the team on their backs during the fourth set, forcing a pivotal fifth set against the Thais.
With pressure mounting on the side of Thailand, the Regine Diego-mentored Philippines girls’ team took advantage as they secured a commanding 11-8 in the deciding set.
But the girls succumbed to service errors and lapses on the defense as Thailand took seven of the next nine points to secure the victory.
The girls will play Indonesia in their next game.