Gilas Pilipinas U18 Women opened their campaign in dominant fashion, overpowering Vietnam, 93-42, on the first day of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers at the STI West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City.

The host nation overcame a sluggish start before turning the contest into a one-sided affair behind balanced scoring, aggressive defense, and contributions from every player who saw action. Earlier in the day, Indonesia also secured an opening victory, defeating Singapore, 66-49.

Indonesia Starts Strong

Indonesia relied on relentless defensive pressure to pull away from Singapore and claim the tournament’s first victory. The Indonesians collected 21 steals and consistently converted turnovers into scoring opportunities, finishing with 17 points off Singapore’s miscues.

Singapore stayed within striking distance in the opening period and trailed by only four points, 15-11, after the first quarter. However, Indonesia tightened its grip on the game during the second and third quarters, making life difficult for the Singaporean offense.

Ariqa Shafa Chayyara paced Indonesia with 14 points as the team cruised to a 66-49 triumph. Singapore struggled at the free-throw line, converting only five of 25 attempts, a factor that prevented the game from becoming more competitive.

Marsya Sazali led Singapore with 15 points, four rebounds, and four steals despite the defeat.

Gilas Overpowers Vietnam

The Philippines needed some time to settle in but quickly found its rhythm after leading by just five points, 19-14, at the end of the opening quarter. Efficient offense and suffocating defense fueled a massive run that allowed the hosts to pull away and eventually secure a 51-point victory.

Making his debut as head coach of the women’s youth national team, Sandy Arespacochaga utilized his entire roster, with no player logging more than 21 minutes on the floor.

Tiffany Reyes earned Best Player of the Game honors after producing 14 points and five rebounds. UAAP Season 88 Girls’ Basketball MVP Rhiane Perez led all Philippine scorers with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.

Zaydhen Rosano contributed 15 points, while Lea Pinuela knocked down several late three-pointers to finish with 13 markers. Sophia Dignadice also impressed with an all-around effort of 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and six steals.

All 12 players who entered the game for Gilas Pilipinas scored at least two points, underscoring the team’s depth and balanced attack.

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed pride in hosting the tournament, saying the event represented a major milestone for the city.

“We are proud to make history for our country alongside the SBP as Bacolod hosts this truly remarkable and iconic FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers. Bringing these qualifiers here in a historic first for the City of Smiles is a great leap forward as we continue our thrust to promote sports tourism in Bacolod,” Gasataya said.

He added that the event further establishes Bacolod as a destination capable of staging major international sporting competitions.

“This event proves that our city is not just a home and training ground for world-class athletes, but also a premier destination ready to welcome international sporting events,” he said.

Gilas Pilipinas Women Program Director Bacon Austria also praised Bacolod’s hosting efforts, highlighting the organization and hospitality shown throughout the tournament.

“Bacolod’s hosting has been superb. It’s been well planned, and you really feel the hospitality of the people from the moment you step off the plane until you reach the hotel and the game and practice venues,” Austria said.

Austria noted that the team’s opening-game nerves contributed to the slow start but viewed the experience as a valuable lesson moving forward.

“It was a good first game for us because everyone was able to contribute both offensively and defensively. Everyone was eager and excited to play in the first quarter. In fact, SBP Executive Director Erika Dy mentioned that in the huddle before the game when Coach Sandy asked her to speak briefly. She said players usually tend to play like that in their first game, and that’s exactly what happened. It should serve as a reminder for us heading into the next game,” Austria said.

Austria also credited the adaptability of Reyes and Dignadice, who quickly integrated into the team despite joining the squad later than most of their teammates.

“The late arrival of Sophia and Tiff was not a huge issue for us. They joined the team seamlessly because they are very coachable. Coach Sandy also held online meetings with them before they arrived so he could explain the system and familiarize them with what the team was doing. More importantly, they’ve been here before. It’s not their first time playing for the national team, so they didn’t have to adjust too much,” Austria added.