KARNATAKA STATE, India — Despite stiff opposition from an upstart Samoan squad led by its veteran shooter Kira-May Filemu, the Philippine national team recovered just in time to score a victory over the gritty islanders, 66-59, in the Fédération Internationale de Basket-ball Amateur (FIBA) U18 Women’s Asian Championship on Tuesday night in the city of Bengaluru here.

Early on in the game, the Filipinas led by as much as 18 points edge but due to their opponents’ tenacity and Filemu’s shooting prowess, the lead slowly evaporated prompting the nationals to up their defense and offense to derail the Samoan rally in the middle of the game.

Thanks to the heroics of Sum ayah Sugapong and Kristan Yumul, the Philippine squad got a measure of vengeance against the Samoans that dimmed the Philippines’ chances in the U-16 showcase last June.

Sugapong paced Gilas Women Youth with 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Yumul drilled in an additional 16 markers in the scoring effort that gave the Philippines a 2-0 record and the solo lead in the Division B meet at the posh Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru.

Fortunately, France campaigner Louna Ozar came through in the most critical of times, restoring order in the fourth quarter and preserving the heroics of fellow newcomer Sugapong and the seasoned Yumul. Ozar finished with 10 while teammate Kate Bobadilla added eight points more.

In their opponents’ side, Filemu led the scoring end with 19 points and 13 rebounds that went with two assists. With the loss, Samoa dropped to 1-1 joining Thailand.

Meanwhile, the Philippines will try to annex today a third straight victory when it takes on the winless Maldives (0-2) to gain outright passage to the Final Four if it emerges triumphantly in their face off in Manila.

The grand prize of the tournament is the privilege of being promoted to the next level which features Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Indonesia.

The Scores:

Philippines (66)

Sugapong 28, Yumul 16, Bobadilla 10, Ozar 8, Nolasco 6, Heyn 0, Loon 0, Abraham 0.

Samoa (59)

Filemu 19, Ruud 13, Brown 8, Finau-Stephano 8, A. Manumaleuga 6, Leiataatimu 3, Joseph 1, Foa’i-Auimatagi 1, P. Manumaleuga 0.

Quarterscores: 21-9, 33-20, 49-40, 66-59.