Gilas Women bounce back with 58-point win over Vietnam
Published on May 13, 2023

Gilas Pilipinas Women bounced back in a big way after their first loss in the women’s 5×5 basketball tournament of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, dominating Vietnam, 116-58, Saturday in Cambodia.

Gilas gained separation early in the game. Jack Animan kickstarted a run with an and-one bucket in the paint followed by five straight points from Janine Pontejos. That gave Gilas their first double-digit lead of the game. Vietnam tried to keep the game close but Andrea Tongco drilled three triples to keep their opponents at bay.

Gilas poured it on in the middle quarters, limiting Vietnam to a total of 19 points in the second and third. During that same span, they erupted for 60 points led by the fiery outside shooting of Khate Castillo. A Camille Clarin 3-pointer gave the Philippines their biggest lead of the game at 60 points. They never looked back after that, cruising to the easy win.

Six players scored in double figures for Gilas, with all 12 players scoring at least one field goal in the game. Castillo notched 22 points and seven 3-pointers while Animam had a monster 16-point, 13-rebound double-double. Clare Castro also dominated the paint with 15 points on 60 percent shooting.

Gilas Women rose to 3-1 in the tournament behind Indonesia (4-0) and Malaysia (4-1). They face Thailand next on May 14 at 12:00 PM, Philippine Time.