GILAS Pilipinas Girls moved one win away from a promotion to Division A after overwhelming Samoa, 71-47, on Saturday in Shenzhen, China.
The Filipino youngsters went into high gear in the fourth quarter, outscoring Samoa, 22-8, in their Division B semifinal affair.
Gilas will play Lebanon for the right to move up to Division A after it beat Iran, 64-49. The final is set on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Ava Fajardo had 19 points, while Naomi Panganiban had 12 points for the Philippines, which picked up its third win overall in the tournament.
Alicia Margarett Villanueva and Sophia Canindo had 11 points each while also combining for 14 rebounds in the contest. Gabe Ramos had a near double-double as she posted nine points and eight rebounds.
Though outrebounded against a hefty Samoa side, 65-58, the Philippines played superb defense by chalking up 26 steals that led to 31 turnovers.
The Philippines will come in the Division B finals with an advantage since it defeated Lebanon, 89-63, in their group stage game.
In that contest, Naomi Panganiban had 25 points and eight rebounds for the Julie Amos-coached Gilas Girls side that led by as many as 29 points.
The scores:
Philippines 71 – Fajardo 19, Panganiban 12, Villanueva 11, Canindo 11, Ramos 9, Duenas 3, Rodriguez 2, Abong 2, Impreso 2, Lapasaran 0, Reyes 0, Quinte 0.
Samoa 47 – Sione 18, Filemu 12, Reupena 6, Manumaleuga 3, Hiko 2, Foa’i-Auimatagi 2, Afualo 2, Au 2, Ah Hoy 0, Ah Ken 0, Vickerman 0.
Quarters: 17-5; 31-23; 49-39; 71-47.
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