Gilas solve Indonesian puzzle

For the past two SEA Games, they are a team that always torments us.

AFRIL Bernardo and Gilas Pilipinas finally beat Indonesia. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG @tribunephl_dvd

Gilas Pilipinas picked up where it left off as it prevailed over Indonesia, 63-56, in the opening salvo of the women’s basketball competition of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Janine Pontejos spearheaded the attack while Kelly Hayes provided ample support for Gilas, who are fresh from conquering the title in the women’s 3×3 competition last Tuesday.

Pontejos fired 16 points, three assists and five steals while Hayes delivered 12 points for the Nationals, who drew nine points, 12 rebounds and four blocks from Jack Animam.

“We’re just thankful that we finally got past Indonesia now. For the past two SEA Games, they are a team that always torments us,” Gilas coach Patrick Aquino said.

“As I’ve said earlier, if we get past Indonesia, one of our feet is already inside the box.”

“It was a bad game. We were gambling in the first half and giving out second chance points. We were also not being patient. Fortunately, we were able to adjust and win the game.”

With the win, Gilas have a handsome chance of advancing to the finals and would march in their game against dangerous Malaysia on a high note.

After a rough start, Gilas started to get into the rhythm heading into the fourth period. And with 8:28 left in the fourth quarter, Animam sparked a 6-0 run to capture their first biggest lead, 55-47, and dictate the tempo the rest of the way.

Aquino said their win should give them the momentum against Malaysia.

“I know Malaysia’s going to come back from that lost to Thailand so we have to adjust defensively,” Aquino said. “Claire (Castro) wasn’t really a factor today because she was being outran by Indonesia, so we’re going to adjust in order to have her effective again.”

Yuni Anggraeni finished with 16 points, six rebounds and three steals while Henny Sutjiono had 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Indonesians, who drew eight points, 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocks from Gabriel Sophia.