The Discovery Perlas Pilipinas scored a breezy win in its opening game Sunday but the Nationals are expected to encounter rough sailing when they collide against the dangerous Malaysians this Tuesday in the 7th SEABA Women’s Championship at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Game time is at 4 p.m. with the Nationals hoping to score a follow-up to their massive 101-34 victory over the Singaporeans last Sunday.
“If we beat Malaysia, then we will advance one step into the finals. So it’s going to be crucial,” RP team coach Haydee Ong.
Clashing in the first game at 2 p.m. are defending champion Thailand and Indonesia.
Malaysia started its own campaign on a high note, scoring an 84-60 win over Indonesia also last Monday. The Malaysians are currently battling the Thais at presstime.
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The Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand are fighting it out for the finals seat and if we win over Malaysia, chances are, we’re assured of being the number one or two in the elimination round,” Ong said.
Meantime, Indonesia relied on a fiery fourth quarter to turn back Singapore, 70-61, on Monday to even its record at a 1-1.
Yulinda Wati and Christaline Debby paced the Indonesians by combining for 42 points and 14 rebounds.
Ong remains wary of their foes, adding that Malaysia is a good perimeter team and has big players like 6-foot-2 Lee Siew Fun and 6-foot-1 Kalaimathi Rajintiran, who combined for 19 points and 11 boards in their win against Indonesia.
“They have big players who are good underneath and have speedy perimeter players. We’ll work out on something to contain them,” said Ong, who is expected to rely on Fatima Tolentino, who scored a double-double in the opening game, Cassey Tioseco and Fil-Am Anna Pineda.
RP Women's NT seeks 2nd win vs Malaysia
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