WMPBL: Lady Sailors keep Aguilas at bay to stay unscathed
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Navy fended off a late rally by the Pilipinas Aguilas to secure a 72-65 victory in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) at the Mandaluyong City College Science and Technology Gym on Sunday.
Both teams, featuring top-tier talent, delivered an intense battle in the invitational tournament supported by Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Francis Tolentino and the MPBL Party-list. The game remained close until the final two minutes.
Kem Adeshima’s layup pulled the Aguilas within three, 65-68, but Navy, backed by Kalos PH and Go for Gold, tightened its defense. Andrea Tongco then sank a crucial floater with 32 seconds left, extending the Lady Sailors' lead to five. Josephine Ong sealed the win with two free throws in the final 10 seconds.
“We really planned kung anong ibabato namin sa kanila, so thank God nag-materialize naman ‘yung defense namin,” said Navy head coach Ewon Arayi after the hard-fought victory.
“Sinabi ko sa kanila na kung hindi kami maglalaro ng magandang depensa, pantay lang ‘yung laban. Hindi natin alam kung sinong mananalo. Pero kung maglaro tayo ng magandang depensa, tayo ang magdidikta kung mananalo tayo o hindi,” she added.
Afril Bernardino led the charge with a game-high 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists as the Lady Sailors improved to 2-0. Gemma Miranda also recorded a double-double with 17 points, 16 rebounds and four steals; while Ong contributed 14 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting, along with five assists.
On the other side, Elaine Etang paced the 1-1 Aguilas with 17 points; while Mar Prado finished with 13 points, six rebounds and two steals. Adeshima chipped in seven points and 10 boards.
Meanwhile, the San Juan Lady Knights improved to 2-0, and the Centro Escolar University (CEU) Lady Scorpions bounced back in this tournament also supported by Uratex, Discovery Suites, Red Dynasty, Gotobox, Gerry’s Grill, Prettiest, Team Graphitee, Evo Performance Helmets, Ryzen Helmets, Katinko, Dorayd, Sogo Hotel, Global Bosny Manufacturing and Bavin.
The Lady Knights pulled away late in a defensive battle against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, securing a 44-37 victory.
Rhea Sanchez