Pinays rip HK foes, tie for lead

MEDAN, Indonesia – The Xtreme RP team, boosted by its 74-67 upset of Thailand Sunday, blasted Hong Kong, 84-53, yesterday to gain a share of the lead with Kazakhstan in the 19th FIBA Asia under-18 ladies championship at the Angkasa Lanud Hall here Tuesday.

The RP belles, backed by Xtreme Magic Sing, pounded their Hong Kong rivals with their run-and-game anchored on a tough defense en route to the victory, their second straight to catch Kazakhstan at helm after three days of Level II play in the biennial Asian junior ladies joust.

The Xtreme RP squad is set to face Singapore late Wednesday. It plays Kazakhstan tomorrow.

Team skipper Kat Sandel topscored with 18 points while Allalaine De Gomas, Cindy Resultay and Fria Bernardo added at least 10 each as the RP belles smothered the tall Hong Kong team with a tough defense and a running attack.

“They’re bigger but slower. Our girls were just too quick and too skillful for them,” said RP team coach Raymond Celis.