Gilas Pilipinas Women took their fourth win in the 31st Southeast Asian Games after beating Singapore, 88-61, at the Thanh Tri Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam on Saturday. 

The women’s national team is one win away from staying undefeated in the competition and defending their gold medal.

Gilas maximized their size and outside shooting to take care of business against Singapore. Clare Castro finished with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field. Janine Pontejos and Khate Castillo contributed 14 each. Castillo was automatic again from beyond the arc, sinking in 4-of-6 attempts.

The Philippines came out with a burst of energy on both ends, allowing Singapore only two field goals by the end of the first period. Gilas also had seven steals and converted on the other end to create a 12-point lead in the opening minutes.

Singapore came alive in the second, finally getting their 3-point shots to fall. But turnovers doomed Singapore as they committed 28 errors which led to 18 steals by Gilas.

In the end, the early lead and collective effort allowed the national women’s team to cruise by Singapore en route to another victory. 

The Philippine women’s team will play their final game in the SEA Games against Malaysia on Sunday, May 22 at 10:00 AM PHT. After Malaysia lost to Vietnam Saturday, Gilas Women will secure the gold medal for the second straight time.