Gilas Pilipinas Women launched their 2026 Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games campaign in style, overpowering Kazakhstan with an 86–58 victory on Thursday at the Aichi International Arena.
The Filipinas briefly trailed 0–2 before unleashing a blistering run that stretched the lead to as many as 39 points. New Gilas standout Elizabeth Means set the tone with a commanding 23 points and four rebounds, showcasing exactly why she was brought in as reinforcement.
Stef Berberabe delivered an all‑around performance with 11 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, while Jhaz Joson, Kent Pastrana, and Janine Pontejos chipped in eight points each to push the Philippines to 1–0 in Group B.
Gilas returns to action on Sunday, September 20, facing Hong Kong at 9 a.m. (Manila time).
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, leaned on Tamara Noiok, who finished with 11 points and two assists, while Anna Bezgovada posted a gritty 10‑point, 15‑rebound double‑double in the loss.
The Scores
Gilas Women 86 – Means 23, Berberabe 11, Pastrana 8, Pontejos 8, Joson 8, Yam 7, Bernardino 6, Surada 6, Pingol 6, Malagar 3, Del Carmen 0, Clarin 0.
Kazakhstan 58 – Noiok 11, Bezgodova 10, Mustafina 9, Tsukanova 7, Koroleva 5, Kapitonova 5, Amanzholova 4, Alishauskaite 3, Krutevich 2, Petelina 2, Nurbayeva 0, Yakovleva 0.
Quarter scores: 25–9, 49–32, 76–40, 86–58.
