Elizabeth Means goes for a floater (AINAGOC photo)
By Reynald I. Magallon
The Gilas Pilipinas women's team looks to sustain the momentum from its roaring start when it locks horns with Hong Kong in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at the Aichi International Arena on Sunday, Sept. 20.
The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team looks to sustain the momentum from its roaring start when it locks horns with Hong Kong in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at the Aichi International Arena on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Tip-off of the match is at 10 a.m. with the Nationals looking to pick up their second win of the tournament and get the inside track on one of the top two spots in Group B.
Only the top 2 teams of the groups will advance to the knockout rounds scheduled to begin on Sept. 24.
Naturalized player Elizabeth Means is expected to once again lead the charge for the Filipinas, who routed Kazakhstan, 86-58, in their opening assignment.
Veterans Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino along with Gilas mainstay Jhazmin Joson, Stefanie Berberabe and Karl Pingol all primed to provide valuable contributions.
Defense will once again be the key for the charges of head coach Burke ‘BT’ Toews after Gilas registered a whopping 26 steals against the Kazakhs, enough to fuel their transition attack.
“More than the adjustment that I made, I thought this group came in and for that one week of practice, they were great. So what people saw on the floor today is a credit to these guys. Really excellent,” said Toews.
Hong Kong, on the other hand, is hoping to recover from a 114-37 drubbing at the hands of powerhouse Japan.
A win for the Filipinas should also serve as a great momentum boost before they take on the hosts on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
