Gilas women trounce Indonesia to enter gold medal match

Gilas Pilipinas Women

(POC media pool)

MANILA, Philippines — The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team is heading into the Southeast Asian Games’ women’s basketball gold medal match after routing Indonesia, 66-55, in their semifinal clash Thursday in Thailand.

Gilas vented its ire on Indonesia, which defeated the Philippines in the 2023 SEA Games for the gold medal.

After a searing start where the Philippines led by double digits in the first quarter, Indonesia fought back and sliced the deficit to just eight, 35-43, at the half.

But the Nationals were able to recover and find their rhythm anew, although their opponents remained within striking distance, 44-55, heading to the final period.

Indonesia was trailing by eight in the fourth, but finishing touches by Kaycee dela Rosa and Janine Pontejos slammed the door shut.

The Philippines will take on either Thailand or Malaysia in the final on Friday afternoon.