PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Gilas Pilipinas Women turned on its defensive switch in the second period to shut down Cambodia and turn a close game into a rout, 114-54, in the women's basketball event of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games Wednesday at the Elephant Hall 2 of the Morodok Techo National Stadium here.

Pushed to the limit by the Cambodians, who wasted no time in fielding their naturalized players, the Filipinas banked on their speed and aggressive defensive approach in the second period to completely change the complexion of the game.

A three-point shot from the corner by Camille Clarin pushed the Philippines to its first sizeable lead at 34-20 with 6:43 left in the second period, the same time when Cambodian head coach Kao Kanaly was ejected after being slapped with his second technical foul.

Kanaly's ejection demoralized the home squad, allowing the Filipinas to continue their rally and attack the basket to set the stage for the 60-point massacre.

By half time, the Philippines already posted a whopping 58-31 advantage with guard Ella Fajardo leading the way with 12 points and Janine Pontejos contributing nine markers, including two three-pointers.

Fajardo went on to finish with 17 points followed by the returning Jack Animam with 16 markers.

Chak Cabinbin contributed 12 while Afril Bernardino and Clarin had 11 apiece for the Filipinas, who are looking to regain the gold medal they lost in the previous edition of the Games in Hanoi.

The Gilas Pilipinas Men squad was in attendance — from the coaching staff to team officials and players — to support the cagebelles, who anticipated a fierce duel against the souped-up Cambodian side powered by naturalized players Brittany Dinkins, Meghan Simmons, Mariah Cooks and Kim Hanlon.

'Our practice was more about reminders on our game against Cambodia and give our players the feel of the game.'

Prior to the match, Gilas head coach Patrick Aquino got a big lift from the Filipino community here who helped them find a practice venue.

"We were able to find one and practiced at the Cambodia Clubhouse, which was a bit far from where we're staying but a more convenient practice facility," Aquino told Daily Tribune in an interview.