It was a do-or-die game for Gilas women as the battle against India would decide if the team would stay in Division A or slip in Division B.

Despite a down-grading performance and straight-three losses over the past days, Gilas women will keep hold in Division A.

Janine Pontejos and Khate Castillo both delivered 22 points, while Afril Bernardino’s crucial performance giving nine markers, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and four blocks, ensured the victory for the team.

Others were also exemplary as Clarin had eight points, four rebounds and two steals combined with four points, six rebounds, and two blocks from Clare Castro, and Tongco’s six boards.

In a closed-knit game, Gilas were at a 34-39 disadvantage in the middle of the game, but they all turned the game around and took control over the second half.

Gilas women scored 12 points in the third quarter and even though a slipshod defense was observed, India only had 13 markers giving Gilas a 55-52 lead.

Gilas continued to dominate with a 67-56 lead at the early final frame, but India was persistent and was able to cut the gap by two points with 67-75 in favor of Gilas.

However, with only 3:30 minutes left, Castillo did not give up and led the team to victory, finishing the game with 74-70.

“I’m very, very happy with the girls because they never stopped competing,” said Gilas head coach Patrick Aquino. 

“The past three games, we were struggling. But today, they remained together.”