Gilas Pilipinas Youth overcame a shaky start before pulling away in style, defeating Thailand, 91-62, on Monday evening to wrap up the preliminary round of the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
Gilas Pilipinas Youth Cuts the Deficit
The young Filipinos struggled to find their rhythm early as Thailand capitalized on Gilas’ offensive miscues. A basket from Lorenzo Ravazzini helped the Thais build a 20-8 advantage, eventually taking a 25-17 lead into the second quarter.
Thailand continued to frustrate Gilas and stretched its lead to as many as 12 points before the Filipinos gradually settled down. The Philippines responded in the second period by attacking more aggressively from beyond the arc. Four three-pointers trimmed the deficit to just four points at halftime, 44-40.
That improved execution gave Gilas the momentum it needed heading into the second half. Luke Atacador spearheaded the attack, finishing with 16 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from long range while also grabbing four rebounds. Elias Gish and George Aidan Green provided crucial support, while Chog Moral added timely offense.
Moral, Gish, and Aguas Lead Third-Quarter Barrage
After trailing at the break, Gilas Pilipinas Youth completely flipped the game in the third period. The Philippines unleashed a stunning 31-6 run, with Gish, Moral, and Ethan Aguas combining to break a 50-all deadlock and put Gilas firmly in control.
Gish delivered key plays during the surge, including a three-pointer that pushed the Philippines ahead. Gilas carried a commanding 71-50 advantage into the final quarter. Atacador then continued the onslaught, knocking down two more shots from deep to stretch the lead to 79-50 early in the fourth.
Philippines Secures Quarterfinal Qualification
Gilas refused to let Thailand back into the contest, scoring the first 12 points of the fourth quarter while keeping the Thais scoreless for the opening six minutes. Green added six of Gilas’ final eight points as the Philippines sealed the 29-point victory.
Atacador led the way with 16 points, while Green and Gish chipped in 15 apiece. Moral finished with 12 points.
The win lifted Gilas Youth to a 2-1 record and second place in Group A following its win over Chinese Taipei. That record proved enough for the nationals to secure a berth in the qualification round for the quarterfinals. Australia topped the group at 3-0 to earn an automatic quarterfinal slot.
Gilas Pilipinas Youth will return to action on Thursday, facing the third-place team from Group B—which could be Syria, Bahrain, or Lebanon—in a crucial qualification game for a spot in the tournament’s Top 8.
