Gilas Women start SEAG three-peat bid with 60-point romp of host Cambodia

The Philippine national women's basketball team on Wednesday started their bid for a third straight championship in the Southeast Asian Games with a 60-point romp of host country Cambodia, 114-54, in the women's basketball event of the meet.

After a tight first period which ended at 22-20, Gilas Pilipinas Women opened the second period with a 12-0 run and eventually built a 36-point scoring quarter against the locals' 11 to end the first half at 58-31. Cambodia's coach was ejected with less than seven minutes into the second period, adding to the home team's woes.

It was all Gilas then as they never looked back and limited Cambodia to just 23 points in the second half against the Philippines' 56.

Ella Fajardo tallied 17 markers while Jack Animam flirted with a double-double as she posted 16 points and nine boards. France Mae Cabinbin had 12 points while Afril Bernardino and Camille Clarin scored 11 apiece.

Mariah Cooks led Cambodia with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Meighan Simmons had 11 points and seven rebounds in the losing effort.

The women's team will be back in action on Thursday as they will face Singapore prior to the game of the men's team against Cambodia.

The scores:

Philippines 114 - Fajardo 17, Animam 16, Cabinbin 12, Bernardino 11, Clarin 11, Pontejos 9, Castillo 8, Surada 8, Berberabe 8, Castro 6, Guytingco 5, Tongco 3.

Cambodia 54 - Cooks 18, Simmons 11, Hanlon 7, Dinkins 6, Davina 6, Sok Oeun 2, Vuoch 2, Nearyrat 2, Theamearodey 0, Sreay Leap 0, Elysi 0.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News