10 Jack Danielle ANIMAM (Philippines)
27/09/2016
Asia
to read

Perlas regain SEABA Women’s crown for Philippines

MANILA - The Philippines national women's basketball team, better known as Perlas Pilipinas, ascended to the throne of Southeast Asian basketball once again after completing a six-game sweep of the SEABA Championship for Women 2016 in Melacca, Malaysia.

Perlas defeated long-time tormentors Malaysia, 77-73, on the fifth day of competition to seal the championship and they capped off their campaign with a dominant 72-52 win at the expense of rivals Thailand.

Coach Patrick Aquino’s wards started their tournament on a bright note, dispatching Singapore, 69-43, before back-to-back romps over overmatched foes Laos (179-32) and Vietnam (134-56). They drubbed Indonesia on Day 4, 72-56, before setting up the virtual titular affair with erstwhile unbeaten Malaysia this past Friday.

Perlas leaned on the likes of Allana Lim, Afril Bernardino, Analyn Almazan and France Mae Cabinbin throughout the tournament, which saw Malaysia and Singapore join the Philippines on the podium at second and third place respectively.

"Defense wins Championships" 🙏🏼 #perlaspilipinas #seabachamps 🏅🏆🇵🇭

A photo posted by Raiza Palmerady (@raizapalmerady) on

Coach Aquino beamed with pride after the Filipinas officially copped the title - their first in their sub-zone since 2010.

"This is a defining moment for Philippine women's basketball," he said. "I'm happy for the girls for our supporters and for the country."

It has been a terrific last two years for the Philippines as Perlas qualified for Level 1 after an impressive showing in the 2015 FIBA Asia Women’s Championship in Wuhan, China. Coach Aquino helmed his squad to five wins in six games, including a big triumph over India in the Qualifying Round for promotion to Level 1.


FIBA