Gilas Pilipinas Girls opened their campaign in the 2026 FIBA U18 Asian Championship – SEABA Qualifiers with a commanding 93–42 win over Vietnam on Tuesday evening at the STI West Negros University Gym.
The Philippines was in control for nearly the entire game, leading for all but 86 seconds of the contest.
After a 19–14 first-quarter lead, the team of coach Sandy Arespacochaga shifted into another gear in the second quarter, unleashing a 26–7 run to build a 45–21 halftime cushion.
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Tiffany Reyes sparked the surge, scoring six of her 14 points during that stretch, while Gilas also knocked down three of its nine three-pointers in the period.
The Filipinas never looked back, eventually stretching the lead to its largest margin of the night.
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Every Gilas player scored in the win, with five finishing in double figures.
Rhiane Perez led the way with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, while Zaydhen Rosano added 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals.
Lea Pinuela chipped in 13 points, and Sophia Dignadice contributed 10 points, six rebounds, six steals, and five assists.
For Vietnam, Ha Anh Nguyen and Lcienne Le Chi finished with 11 points each.
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In the tournament opener, Indonesia defeated Singapore, 66–49, to join the winners’ column.
Ariqa Chayyara paced Indonesia with 14 points, while Inez Welly added 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Joanne Giovanni chipped in 10 points.
Singapore was led by Marsya Sazali, who finished with 15 points.
The Philippines and Malaysia have already secured qualification to the Asia Cup proper, which will be hosted by Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Thailand and Indonesia are already seeded into Division B, which will be held in Thailand.
The top team from this qualifying tournament, excluding the already-qualified nations, will advance to the Division B meet.
