Gilas Pilipinas Boys secured their seventh straight 2026 FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup–SEABA Qualifiers title after defeating host Thailand, 85-70, on Sunday evening at the Chan Ka Pho Gymnasium in Krabi.
The Philippines now owns 10 overall regional titles, having also ruled the competition in 1996, 1998, and 2004, before stringing together seven consecutive championships in the latest editions.
It was another dominant campaign for the young Filipinos, who swept all five of their games.
However, unlike their 98-63 rout of Thailand last Friday, the hosts made Gilas work for this one.
The game was tied at 55-all late in the third quarter before Chog Moral, Pat Pasinos, Ethan Aguas, and Joaquin Tovera helped create separation, pushing Gilas ahead, 63-57, entering the final frame.
In the fourth quarter, Pasinos took charge, scoring 11 of his 13 points in the final 10 minutes to power Gilas to a lead that ballooned to as high as 16 points.
The Grade 12 forward from La Salle Green Hills also finished with six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
(C) SEABA
Tovera, who was named tournament MVP, led the way with 21 points.
Aguas added 13 points and six rebounds, while Moral contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Thailand also had five players scoring in double figures, led by Lorenzo Ravazzini with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Ronnie Allsopp and Phurich Benjaariyakul chipped in 13 points each, while Peerakan Wilairoj produced 11 points and 11 assists, and Thanawat Pisarnyuttanapong added 11 points and nine rebounds.
Both Gilas and Thailand have also qualified for the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup proper set on August 13–23 in Ahmedabad.
