Our girls closer to gold after beating gritty Filipinas
THE Malaysian women’s baasketball team have achievedd what the men’s team havee always failed – beat thee Philippines.
The men suffered a 9866 beating at the hands of the Philippines in an illtempered Group A match on Wednesday.
It was so heated that two Filipino cagers – Carl Bryan Cruz and Baser Amer – were ejected for technical violations.
The defeat ended Malaysia’s hopes of making the semifinals in the men’s section.
Yesterday, the Malaysian women returned the favour when they sent the Perlas Pilipinas out of the medal hunt with a hardearned 6056 win at the Maba Stadium.
The Malaysian women did well to lead 3423 at halftime.
The Filipinas worked hard after the break and managed to level the game at 5454 with just 2:45 left in the fourth quarter.
But a jumper by Eugene Ting and a few free throws by Pang Hui Pin and Saw Wei Yin helped Malaysia clinch a crucial win.
Shooting guard Chong Yin Yin topscored for Malaysia with 12 points while the Philippines banked on the strength of centre Allana Lim, who had 17 points.
Malaysia’s fourth straight win in the sevennation roundrobin competition also means they have a firm grip on retaining their gold medal.
This is after closest rivals T Thailand slipped up, having lost 6769 to the Philippines on Wednesday.
The Thais, with a 31 record, must now beat Indonesia (31) and Malaysia (40) in their last two matches for the gold.
The Philippines, with a 32 record, can only finish fourth.
“It (beating the Philippines) was an emotional win because they have much better individual skills compared to my players,” said Malaysian head coach Yoong Sze Yuin.
“We had to rely on a solid defence to stifle them. It wasn’t easy as some of my players are inexperienced.
“This win has put us in a very good position to win the gold.
“If Thailand fail to beat Indonesia, the gold is ours.
“Even if they beat Indonesia, we still have the advantage as they need to beat us by more than eight points.”
Malaysia will take on winless Myanmar today before wrapping up their fixtures against Thailand tomorrow.