The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team continued to dominate in the group stage of the 19th Asian Games, routing Hong Kong, 99-63, Friday afternoon in Hangzhou for their second straight win.

Veteran Afril Bernardino led the way with an all-around effort. She finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Janine Pontejos continued her hot streak from their first win, scoring 23 points, built on seven triples. Jack Animam once again controlled the paint with 22 rebounds and 10 points.

The Philippines found itself down by one after the opening frame but outplayed Hong Kong the rest of the way. Gilas Women closed the second quarter on a 16-4 run with Bernardino, Pontejos, Khate Castillo, and Louna Ozar all pitching in. 

The Philippines continued to pour on the points, steadily building its lead after the halftime break. Their lead ballooned to as high as 36 points as Castillo caught fire, scoring 11 straight points near the end of the game.

Gilas Women improved to 2-0 in Group B with their next assignment against the Japanese team, which also owns a 2-0 slate. The battle for the top spot in Group B tips off at 5:30 PM on October 1. 

The women’s national team is vying to be one of the top eight teams across three groups to advance to the quarterfinals.