Gilas women blast Lebanon to earn Division promotion

MANILA, Philippines -- Take a bow, Gilas Pilipinas girls.

The Gilas Pilipinas girls earned a promotion to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division A after blasting Lebanon, 95-64, in the final of the tourney's Division B play Sunday afternoon at the Futian Sports Park in China.

FINAL: Gilas Pilipinas girls win Division B via sweep to gain a promotion in the elite Division A of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup.

Gilas repeats against Lebanon, 95-64, for a 5-0 sweep of the tourney. @PhilippineStar @StarSportsHub @PhilstarNews

Alyssa Rodriguez spearheaded the Philippines with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-13 field goal shooting. Alicia Villanueva added 15 markers.

With the Philippines holding on to a three-point lead, 20-17, after the first quarter, Gilas went on a rampage in the second quarter.

The Filipinas broke the game wide open outscoring their opponents 33 to 9 to break the game wide open, 53-26, heading into the half.

The big lead was not squandered as the Filipina teenagers breezed through to the finish line.

The advantage grew to as much as 41 points, 89-48, with a 3-pointer by Naomi Panganiban.

Panganiban chipped in 13 markers, while Sophia Canindo and Ava Fajardo added 10 markers apiece for the Philippines, who made 15 of their 39 3-pointers.

Reem El Ghali paced Lebanon with 31 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.

The Philippines did not lose a game in the tournament, steamrolling past every opponent en route to the championship finish.