The Philippine national women's basketball team emerged victorious in the first game of the squad in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The Gilas Pilipinas Women bested Kazakhstan, 83-59, on Wednesday, September 27.
Janine Pontejos scored 21 points and Ana Castillo added 15 points for the Filipinas which went up by 28 points at most during the match.
After the first quarter ended with a 17-all deadlock, the Philippines entered halftime with a 40-26 advantage after back-to-back baskets by Stefanie Berberabe sparked a 13-point run.
Kazakhstan only scored nine points in the crucial second period, and the Filipinas never let go of the lead for the rest of the game.
A three-point basket by Pontejos allowed the Filipinas to grab their most significant lead in the game, 60-32, in the third quarter.
Tamara Kuzina finished with 12 points while Anna Bezgodova and Daria Koroleva both chipped in 11 points for Kazakhstan.
The Gilas Pilipinas Women continued their Asian Games campaign on Friday, September 29, against Hong Kong.
