Gilas Women reasserts mastery over Thailand to remain spotless in SEA Games

The Philippine national women's basketball team rode on a strong second quarter to deny Thailand, 97-81, to remain undefeated in two games at the 31st SEA Games on Wednesday at the Thanh Tri Gymnasium.

Veteran Afril Bernardino once again took over for the Gilas Pilipinas Women's team, finishing with a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds to go along with three blocks, three steals, and one assist.

The Filipina ballers had a strong start, leading the Thais at the conclusion of the first with a 22-16 cushion but momentarily lost momentum to open the second period as Thailand inched closer by two, 27-25.

Gilas Women, though, quickly recovered by countering with a 30-15 rampage, highlighted by a triple each from Janine Pontejos, Chack Cabinbin, and Stefanie Berberabe, as their lead ballooned to 17 at the break, 57-40.

Thailand never threatened a comeback in the second half as Gilas cruised to another blowout victory following a 93-77 victory of Indonesia last Monday.

The game saw a rematch between the defending champion Philippines and Thailand, who slugged it out for the title during the 2019 edition.

—JMB, GMA News