By MARK REY MONTEJO
Gilas Pilipinas Women whipped their preliminary round rivals to advance to the quarterfinals and bolster their title bid in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup at the Singapore Sports Hub on Friday, March 29.
The Filipina dribblers routed Mongolia, 19-8, and Malaysia, 17-10, to top Pool C and set up a quarters duel with Chinese Taipei on Sunday, March 31.
Jhaz Joson, who topped the scoring column with 11 points, and Kaye Pingol led the Nationals’ offensive rally against the Mongolians where they ripped the game wide open with a 14-6 lead with under three minutes left and never looked back.
They sustained that momentum in facing Malaysia, waxing hot with a 14-6 advantage before the Malaysians tried to trim the gap in the waning minutes but went futile.
Joson finished with six points against the Malaysians, while Pingol and Mikka Cacho chipped in four points apiece. Camille Clarin added three points.
The Nationals also prevailed over Tahiti (21-3), Maldives (19-11) and Kazakhstan (21-12).
In the other quarters bracket, China will face Mongolia.
Meanwhile, Gilas Men is set to open its campaign against top teams in Australia and Japan.
