Gilas Women bag historic gold medal for PHL

Gilas Pilipinas Women seized the country's first ever gold medal in women's basketball at the Southeast Asian Games after beating Thailand, 91-71, on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

HISTORY FOR GILAS WOMEN ?????????? pic.twitter.com/5DU49Xcy3J

— Mav Gonzales (@mavgonzales) December 10, 2019

Jack Animam led the Filipinas with 21 points, while Janine Pontejos delivered 16 on 50 percent shooting from the field.

Afril Bernardino had another double double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Ana Castillo and Kelly Hayes also combined for 22 markers.

Gilas Women held a slim 45-43 lead at halftime as pesky Thailand erased an early 11-point deficit. But they uncorked a 19-5 run to open the third quarter which blew the game wide open for the Philippines en route to the lopsided finish.

The team marched to the finals after scoring an upset against defending champion Malaysia on Sunday.

This is the Philippines' first medal since winning the silver in the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

—MGP, GMA News