Gilas Pilipinas Women against Malaysia in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Photo courtesy of POC Media Pool.
(UPDATED) The Gilas Pilipinas Women's team scored a triumphant debut in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
The Nationals are off to a winning start as they moved past Malaysia, 76-67, during their Saturday morning faceoff at the Nibutr Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Philippines found their groove in the final period, outscoring Malaysia in that span, 20-7, to mark the win.
Two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Kacey dela Rosa put up a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Louna Ozar had 13 points.
Sofia Dignadice, the daughter of former PBA stalwart Yves, shone in her SEA Games debut with 11 points, including a clutch jumper that made it 71-67 for the Philippines with 1:35 left to play.
"They played their hearts out. They never gave up and I'm just so happy for them," Aquino said. "Let's just say, unang game, first game jitters. Malaysia played well. I like to commend them for that.
"Our players played hard. They didn't want to give up and hopefully we'll do the same thing over and over again," he added.
The Gilas women trailed 40-36 at the break and were down by eight points, 66-58, with under seven minutes left to play.
They dominated from there, uncorking an 18-1 run that stunned their Malaysia foes.
The Gilas Women will be back in action on Sunday against Singapore.