GILAS Pilipinas Women clinched a place in the quarterfinals after downing Hong Kong, 90-73, on Sunday morning in the 20th Asian Games basketball at the Aichi International Arena.
Five players led by Stefani Berberabe scored double-digits, while Afril Bernardino had a double-double for the Philippines in what was a close game until late in the third quarter when they pulled away.
Berberabe had 21 points and five rebounds, while Bernardino registered 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Filipinas.
Berberabe hit one of her three triples to start a 10-3 run that turned a 59-57 lead into a 69-60 lead to close the third quarter.
Berberabe then buried a trey to start the final frame, as well as a layup that put Gilas Women on top, 76-60.
The Philippines improved its record to 2-0 to assure itself of a top two finish out of Group B ahead of its final assignment against host country Japan on Tuesday.
The Filipinas survived the hot shooting of Li Tszkwan, who had 30 points on 5-of-8 from threes that kept HK in the game until Gilas Women's pullaway.
The scores:
Philippines 90 – Berberabe 21, Bernardino 17, Joson 15, Malagar 14, Means 8, Pingol 6, Surada 4, Pontejos 3, Yam 2, Del Carmen 0, Pastrana 0.
Hong Kong 73 – Li 30, Ma 17, Tong 15, Kwan 7, Wong C. 2, Wong N. 2, Tsui 0, Lau 0, Cheung 0, Chiu 0.
Quarters: 21-21; 46-40; 69-60; 90-73.
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