#SEAGames2019: Afril Bernardino leads Gilas Women's comeback to dethrone Malaysia

PASAY CITY -- There will be a new team on top of the podium of Women's Basketball in the Southeast Asian Games as hosts Philippines mounted a huge fourth-quarter comeback to dethrone Malaysia, 81-75 Sunday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After blowing a huge lead in the third and finding themselves down by as much as 6 in the final frame, the Gilas Pilipinas Women of mentor Patrick Aquino channeled their inner resolve to go 2-0 in the four-team tournament, setting up the gold medal game with fellow unbeaten Thailand on Tuesday.

3x3 heroine Afril Bernardino displayed her take-charge mode by firing in a huge double double of 18 points and 19 rebounds against the team that knocked the then-defending SEA Games champions out of contention for the top spot, relegating them to the bronze medal game and an 0-2 record in the process

However, the former Queen Bulldog of NU had a lot of support to make it possible, with Jack Animam pitching in 14 points and 11 rebounds, while La Salle gunner Khate Castillo added 11 off the bench.

The Filipinas, who are seeking to break the duopoly in the competition, have been in good position early on in the game, fending off the Malaysians in the first half before going off in the third

The scores:

PHILIPPINES 81 - Bernardino 18, Animam 14, Castillo 11, Pontejos 10, Cabinbin 8, Hayes 7, Tongco 5, Jose 3, Nabalan 3, Prado 2, Castro 0, Chan 0

MALAYSIA 75 - Yap 18, Saw 11, Low 10, Tan 8, Ting 8, Rajintiran 7, Hiew 7, Tai 4, Chia 2, Lee 0, Ho 0

Quarter scores: 16-14, 42-38, 64-63, 81-75