Written by Akari Sports Staff | Photo from the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas
THE Philippines capped its dominating campaign in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers with an 88-62 rout of Indonesia at the STI West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City last Saturday.
Riri Perez was solid in the clincher as the UAAP Season 88 high school girls basketball MVP from University of Santo Tomas finished with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
She was named the tournament MVP.
Hometown favorite Sophia Dignadice had 14 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Tiffany Reyes and Zuzzane Singson chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The Akari-backed Gilas U18 women have already qualified for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup-Division A, which will be held in Seremban, Malaysia, from October 4 to 10.
Using the week-long tournament to form chemistry and cohesion under new coach Sandy Arespacochaga, the Philippines achieved its goals of completing a four-game sweep.
Brushing off a slow start in a 93-42 romp of Vietnam, the hosts got their groove as the competition went on.
The Philippines made quick work of Singapore, 83-53, and dismantled Thailand, 86-48.
