By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Gilas Pilipinas Girls kicked off their campaign in the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers with a dominant 93-42 victory over Vietnam at the STI – West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City on Tuesday, June 2.

The young Filipinas controlled the contest from the outset and steadily pulled away after establishing a five-point lead at the end of the opening quarter.

The Philippines created significant separation in the second period, outscoring Vietnam, 26-7, to enter halftime comfortably ahead, 45-21.

The home squad continued its strong play in the second half and eventually built a lead of more than 50 points.

Five Gilas players finished in double figures, with Rhiane Perez leading the charge with 16 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Zaydhen Rosano added 15 points along with eight rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Tiffany Reyes contributed 14 points, while Lea Pinuela chipped in 13 markers.

Sophia Dignadice also reached double digits with 10 points and filled the stat sheet with six rebounds, six steals and five assists.

Every player on the Philippine roster scored during the one-sided victory.

Vietnam was paced by Ha Anh Nguyen and Lcienne Le Chi, who each scored 11 points.

In the day’s other match, Indonesia opened its tournament campaign with a 66-49 win over Singapore.

Ariqa Chayyara led the Indonesians with 14 points, while Inez Welly posted 11 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Joanne Giovanni added 10 points.

Marsya Sazali topped Singapore with 15 points.

The Philippines and Malaysia have already secured spots in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup.

The SEABA tournament will determine which eligible team earns qualification to Division B competition, with Thailand and Indonesia already seeded in the division./ASC, WDJ