FIBA Asia: Gilas U16 belles eye finals vs Malaysia

Rey Joble·14 July 2023, 9:12 pm·1 MIN READ

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A finals berth and a step closer to getting elevated to the next level will be up for grabs when Gilas Pilipinas squares off with Malaysia in the crossover semifinals of the Division B of FIBA Women's U16 Asian Championship at the City Arena Prince Hazma in Amman, Jordan.

Undefeated in three games in the group stage matches, the Philippines will take on Malaysia, which finished second in Group B. Game time is 10:30 p.m. (Manila time) on Saturday.

A win by the Filipinas will put them in the championship round and within striking distance of getting promoted to Division A.

Last year, the Philippines came close to making it to Division A, but lost to eventual champion Samoa in the semifinals.

But this year's cast is composed of highly-motivated Pinay quintet led by holdovers Ava Fajardo and Ryan Kelly Nair.

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Fajardo has been the team's top gun, averaging 12.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Similarly efficient is Nair, who's been averaging 12 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

The dynamic duo in the backcourt has been the source of leadership and production of the Philippines.

Gilas Pilipinas sensation Ella Fajardo, elder sister of Ava, couldn't be more proud of her younger sibling.

"I'm very proud of her. She puts in the work on and off the court, especially when no one is watching," wrote the elder Fajardo via Messenger.

"What everyone is seeing right now is just her hard work n full bloom. She's showing the world how Philippine women's basketball, at all ages, dominate."