Gilas Pilipinas Women had to dig deep to fend off Lebanon, taking the third spot in Group B at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
Gilas Pilipinas Women started and finished strong as they survived Lebanon, 73-70, to officially move on to the playoff round of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
The Philippines finished with a 1-2 slate in Group B thanks to Wednesday's victory at the Shenzhen Sports Center in China.
Naomi Panganiban iced the game at the free throw line with 17 seconds left in, sending Gilas to its second straight playoffs appearance in the regional tournament.
Despite squandering a 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter, 29-12, Gilas rallied late to finish off Lebanon, who led by two points at the start of the fourth quarter.
Lebanon was within a point, 70-71, with 35 ticks remaining in regulation after a split at the line from Jillian Archer.
But Panganiban was able to get herself to the line as well, and then made the free throws that ultimately gave Gilas Women the cushion that they needed — forcing Lebanon to shoot in the final possession that missed.
Panganiban was the leading scorer for Gilas with 15 points, to go along with four rebounds and three assists.
Jack Animam ended up with a double-double of 14 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Sumayah Sugapong and Vanessa de Jesus added 14 and 13 points, respectively. Kacey Dela Rosa was the other player in double-digit scoring with 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
Gilas retains its place in Division A with the victory. The Philippines will face the second placer in Group A in the quarterfinals.