Gilas Women boost SEAG silver medal hopes with win against Thais

The Philippine national women's basketball team boosted its chances for a silver medal finish in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games after its 82-70 victory over Thailand on Sunday in Cambodia.

It was almost a wire-to-wire win for Gilas Pilipinas women as they had the lead 46-38 at the end of the first half. Thailand cut the deficit by two at the 6:15 mark of the third period before the national team eventually held on to the lead until the final buzzer.

Afril Bernardino had 18 points, while Khate Castillo had 11 points. Janine Pontejos and Jack Animam had 10 points apiece.

The win spoiled Rattiyakorn Udomsuk's 22-point and Thunchanok Lumdabpang's 11-point performances for Thailand.

Gilas will play Malaysia in a virtual battle for silver as the latter also has a 4-1 card. Indonesia is assured of the gold medal as they swept all their games. The medalists will be determined based on ranking.

The scores:

Philippines 82 - Bernardino 18, Castillo 11, Pontejos 10, Animam 10, Berberabe 9, Clarin 6, Fajardo 6, Surada 6, Guytingco 2, Cabinbin 2, Tongco 0.

Thailand 70 - Udomsuk 22, Lumdabpang 11, Prajuapsook 10, Thuamon 8, Supyen 5, Wongtapha 5, Kitraksa 3, Rungrueang 3, Maihom 3, Klunbut 0.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News