SHENZHEN (China) - The Philippines blew past Samoa, 71-47, to reach the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024-Division B Final, Saturday at the Futian Sports Park.
Ava Fajardo led the balanced attack with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists as the Gilas Women Youth moved a win away from the Division A promotion, something that the program is aiming for after bowing out of the Semis back in 2022.
Naomi Panganiban racked up 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and a block, while Sophia Canindo and Alicia Villanueva produced 11 points apiece.
Pace and enthusiasm, combined
Both the Philippines and Samoa have a similar game style, so it was no surprise to see both teams pushing hard defensively with full court pressure applied.
It took time for the players to settle, but it was the Philippines who found their rhythm first with a 9-0 run, and a couple of settling shots from the arc by Margarette Duenas and Fajardo. At the end of the first quarter, the Philippines held a 17-5 lead.
The Philippines took control early in the second quarter, but through the trio of Peata Manumaleuga, Kira-May Filemu, and Zaniah Afualo, Samoa stayed in touch as they outscored the Philippines, 18-14, to trail by 8 at the halftime break, 23-31.
Let’s Get Physical
The third quarter was a physical encounter. Fajardo flexed for the Philippines early on and was supported by Panganiban and Canindo with elite full court pressure.
Heading into the final term, the Philippines held a 10-point lead by capitalizing on turnovers accounting for 19 of their points, with a whopping 24 points attributed to fast breaks. Quick basketball was the Filipino way in this game.
Composure and Pressure
The Philippines were relentless with full court pressure and compose in the paint and from the arch to take care of business in the final 10 minutes of play.
“We had a lot of energy coming into this game, we had a great mentality and I think that’s what came out in the game, everyone went in, and we all made the most of our minutes, all of our work was out on the floor in that game,” Fajardo said.
Noting her teams press abilities, she said they have been practising and working on their fitness ahead of this tournament because they want that Division A promotion.
“Our coaches know how much we can take, and put out, they are very mindful and understanding of balancing practise with resting so we can perform at our best,” Fajardo concluded.
Gabriella Ramos went to work under the rim and to finish with 8 rebounds, 6 of those on the defensive end.
Mylaani Sione led the Samoans with 18 points, and 8 rebounds. As always, Filemu was solid returning efficiency of 21 behind 12 points and 17 rebounds.
Having booked their spot in the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup - Division B Final, the Philippines will face the winner out of Iran and Lebanon.
FIBA