Gilas girls book return flight to FIBA Asia Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas girls clobbered Indonesia, 88-62, and completed a sweep of the SEABA qualifiers for a return ticket to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup yesterday at the STI West Negros University in Bacolod City.

The Nationals rode on a 25-14 start and never looked back en route to a 26-point win for a 4-0 wipeout of their regional rivals.

Gilas, which ruled the Asia Cup Division B in 2024 to gain Division A promotion, will be up against the continent’s best once more in Malaysia on a still to be determined date this year. The continental meet will serve as qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in China.

Four players finished in double figures for Gilas led by UAAP MVP Rhiane Perez from Santo Tomas with 18 points, five rebounds and four assists in only 18 minutes of play.

Skipper Sophia Dignadice added 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals while Tiffany Reyes and Maria Singson had 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Gilas, under new mentor Sandy Arespacochaga, led by as many as 34 points in yet another lopsided affair. Overall, Gilas dominated their four counterparts by an average winning gap of 36.25 points.

Gilas previously beat Vietnam, 93-42, Singapore, 83-53, and Thailand, 86-48.