Written by Akari Sports Staff
THE Philippines overpowered Vietnam, 93-42, for a winning start in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers at the STI West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City on Tuesday night.
UAAP Season 88 high school girls’ basketball MVP Riri Perez led the Akari-backed Gilas U18 women with 16 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Tiffany Reyes added 14 points and five rebounds.
Zaydhen Rosano had 15 points, while Lea Pinuela finished with 13 points for the Philippines.
The Gilas U18 women are 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. The four teams are battling for the lone Division A ticket.
It was a rousing debut for veteran coach Sandy Arespacochaga, who will utilize the tournament as an opportunity to prepare the squad for tougher battles in the future.
The Gilas U18 squad played Singapore on Wednesday night, and Thailand at 7 p.m. Thursday. After a Friday off, the hosts will play Indonesia on Saturday.
