Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Means Stars in Pool B Opener as Gilas Women Cruise
Switching from the half-court sprint of 3x3 basketball to full-court 5-on-5 is usually accompanied by heavy lungs, missed assignments, and the sudden realization that there are four extra defenders lurking around. For Elizabeth Means, however, the transition looked remarkably effortless as Gilas Pilipinas Women opened their 20th Asian Games campaign with an emphatic 86-58 blowout of Kazakhstan at the Aichi International Arena in Japan.
With national team staples Jack Animam and Kacey Dela Rosa unavailable for the tournament roster, Gilas Women needed frontcourt production against a physically imposing Kazakh squad. Means stepped into the void and put on a clinic, tallying 23 points, eight steals, and four rebounds in an all-around performance that set the tone on both ends of the floor.
Adjusting to the Full-Court Flow
Means had previously spent her international tenure focusing on the half-court circuit, representing the Philippines in events such as the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series—most recently competing in Batam last July. Returning to traditional full-court action came with its own set of peculiarities, including adjusting to the regulation ball size.
“It was such an adjustment the first couple of days. Obviously the ball is so different, so it felt like I was playing with a volleyball or something. And just getting used to moving with so many people again,” Means shared after the win. “But I do think that 3×3 made me a stronger basketball player so the adjustment was okay.”
The 23-year-old former Seattle Pacific University standout, whose great-grandfather traces his roots to Naga, Camarines Sur, proved to be an ideal tactical match for head coach BT Toews. Utilizing her inside-out skillset, Means capitalized on open floor space and disrupted Kazakhstan's offensive sets with aggressive perimeter defense.
Pool B Standings and What Lies Ahead
The 86-58 result handed the Philippines an immediate 1-0 advantage in Pool B play. The lopsided margin provides significant momentum as the squad seeks to navigate the group phase and secure a spot in the Asian Games quarterfinals.
Gilas Pilipinas Women continue their pool play schedule on Sunday when they face Hong Kong, looking to solidify their grip on the top tier of the group standings.
