- Ava Fajardo led the team with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
- The Filipinas forced 31 turnovers, converting them into 28 points and 31 fastbreak points.
- They will face either Iran or Lebanon in the finals after their third consecutive win.
The Gilas Pilipinas girls’ under-18 team secured a spot in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B Finals with a dominant 71-47 victory over Samoa in Shenzhen, China.
Captain Ava Fajardo was instrumental in the win, scoring 19 points, grabbing four rebounds, and adding two assists and two steals. This victory marks their third consecutive win in the tournament.
Gilas Pilipinas Girls Dominate Samoa to Advance to U18 Asia Cup Division B Finals
Defense played a crucial role in the Filipinas’ triumph, as they forced Samoa into 31 turnovers and collected 26 steals. The team capitalized on these opportunities, converting turnovers into 28 points and scoring 31 points on fast breaks. The Gilas girls will now prepare to face the winner of the semifinal clash between Iran and Lebanon in the finals.
Ava Fajardo, the team captain, led the way with an impressive performance, scoring 19 points and contributing four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Her leadership on the court was complemented by Naomi Panginiban, who added 12 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two assists. Alicia Villanueva and Sophia Canindo each chipped in 11 points to secure the win.
The game saw the Filipinas take an early lead, which they maintained despite a stronger showing from Samoa in the second quarter. By the fourth quarter, the Gilas girls had regained their dominance, bolstered by a crucial seven-to-nothing run initiated by Fajardo. This extended their lead and ultimately sealed the victory.
Defensive prowess was key for the Philippines, as they forced Samoa into 31 turnovers and amassed 26 steals. These defensive efforts translated into 28 points from turnovers and 31 fastbreak points, underscoring the Filipinas’ ability to capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes. They now look forward to facing either Iran or Lebanon in the finals.
“Defense wins championships, and that was on full display as the Gilas girls forced 31 turnovers and collected 26 steals to dominate Samoa and advance to the finals.”
