Strong second half propels Gilas Women past Singapore for second win

The Philippine national women's basketball team relied on a strong second half performance to dominate Singapore, 94-63, and notch its second straight win in the women's basketball event of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia on Thursday.

Gilas Women ended the first half with a 45-38 advantage but limited the Singaporeans to just five points against their 22-point output in the third period to end at 67-43. It was all Gilas from then as the nationals led by 33 points, 79-46, before eventually cruising to the victory.

Angel Surada flirted with a double-double nine points and 12 rebounds, while Afril Bernardino was a rebound shy as she tallied 11 points and nine boards. Kate Castillo topped Gilas in scoring with 14 points while Ella Fajardo and Clare Castro chipped in 11 and 10 points apiece.

Amanda Lim had 18 points for Singapore, while Chan Chu Yin had 13 points in the losing effort.

Gilas Women will face Indonesia next on Friday.

The scores:

Philippines 94 - Castillo 14, Bernardino 11, Fajardo 11, Castro 10, Pontejos 9, Surada 9,  Clarin 8, Guytingco 7, Cabinbin 5,  Tongco 5, Animam 3, Berberabe 2.

Singapore - Lim Am. 18, Chan 13,  Lim E 8, Choo 6, Lim Al. 6, See 3, Lim JM 3, Yeow 3, Ong 3, Wong 0, Lim LK 0, Qing 0.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News