The Philippine women’s national basketball team fended off a pesky Thailand team, 82-70, as they improved to 4-1 in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Morodok Techo Stadium in Cambodia yesterday.

The Thais were able to cut off every run that Gilas tried to start, but Afril Bernardino’s 18 points, five rebounds and four assists, and Khate Castillo’s 11 points alongside two dimes and two boards were enough to withstand Thailand.

Unfortunately for the Filipinas, Bernardino suffered a lower right leg injury at the 5:01 mark of the final quarter after an awkward landing following an alley-oop basket assisted by France Cabinbin.

Despite the win, Indonesia’s 86-39 rout of Singapore earlier in the day deprived the Gilas Women of a chance to secure their third-straight SEA Games gold medal.

The Indonesians dealt the Philippine team its first loss of the tournament after an 89-68 beating on Friday, May 12.

On the other hand, the Filipinas still have a chance to secure a silver medal tomorrow as they face Malaysia.

PHILIPPINES 82 － Bernardino 18, Castillo 11, Pontejos 11, Animam 10, Berberabe 9, Clarin 6, Surada 6, Fajardo 6, Cabinbin 2, Castro 2, Guytingco 2, Tongco 0.

THAILAND 70 － Udomsuk 22, Lumdabpang 11, Prajuapsook 10, Thuamon 8, Supyen 5, Wongtapha 5, Kitraksa 3, Rungrueang 3, Maihom 3, Klunbut 0.

Quarterscores: 19-13, 46-38, 64-53, 82-70. (ABS-CBN News)