The Taguig Lady Generals took the solo lead as the Philippine Army Lady Battalion won in its first game of the 2022 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Season last Saturday at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol Gym.
The Lady Generals led by Gemma Miranda defeated the PSI Lady Air Defenders in overtime, 69-57, as national team player Janine Pontejos lifted the Lady Battalion to a 78-47 win over the Go For Gold-Philippine Navy Lady Sailors.
Miranda had 19 points and 17 rebounds against the team she led to the title in 2019 where she won a finals MVP, to lead the Lady Generals to a 2-0 win-loss record and first place in the team standings.
Pontejos, the first Season MVP of the WNBL in 2019 during its amateur days, made her return to the league by scoring 29 points and shooting 5-of-12 from threes.
Miranda and Snow Penaranda buried two free throws each late in regulation to send the game into overtime at 54-54 and forced the Lady Air Defenders to only three points in overtime.
With the leadership of Pontejos, the Lady Battalion outscored the Lady Sailors, 27-15, in the second quarter to build a 32-27 lead at the half.
Penaranda had nine points and eight assists for the Lady Generals. Chack Cabinbin had 10 points and 10 assists for the Lady Battalion.