Gilas Pilipinas Girls completed an unbeaten run in the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) U18 Women’s Qualifiers after overpowering Indonesia, 88-62, at STI – West Negros University in Bacolod City on Saturday, June 6.

The victory sealed the Philippines’ place in the upcoming FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup, where the team will compete against the region’s top programs following its promotion to Division A two years ago.

The Gilas Girls established control early, building an 11-point advantage after the opening quarter before steadily widening the gap throughout the contest.

Indonesia struggled to keep pace as Gilas continued to dictate the tempo on both ends of the floor.

Rhiane Perez spearheaded the attack with 18 points while also contributing five rebounds and four assists despite limited minutes on the court. Sophia Dignadice added 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

Tiffany Reyes chipped in 12 points, while Maria Singson finished with 11 as the Philippines placed four players in double figures.

Under head coach Sandy Arespacochaga, Gilas turned the game into another one-sided affair and at one point stretched its lead to 34 points.

The triumph capped a dominant showing by the national squad, which won all four of its qualifier games by an average margin of more than 36 points.

Prior to defeating Indonesia, Gilas Girls posted convincing victories over Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand.

Indonesia, which entered the matchup unbeaten, settled for second place with a 3-1 record.

Inez Angelina Welly scored 18 points, while Joanne Giovanni contributed 11 in the loss.

With the regional title secured, Gilas now shifts its focus to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in Malaysia later this year.

The tournament will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in China./ASC, WDJ