Gilas Pilipinas Youth kept its winning streak alive in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers after dominating Thailand, 87-42, on Sunday night at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Unlike their opener against Vietnam where they started slow, the Filipinos came out firing on all cylinders. Gilas set the tone early with a relentless offense and suffocating defense, ending the first quarter with a commanding 31-1 lead — Thailand’s only point coming from a free throw with nine seconds left.
From start to finish, the nationals controlled the game and overwhelmed the Thai squad, which entered the matchup fresh from a win over Malaysia. Gilas’ 45-point final margin marked its biggest lead of the game.
Carl de los Reyes paced the team with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Prince Carino contributed 15 points and seven boards. Everaigne Cruz added 12 points, and Nickson Cabanero chipped in 10.
Now at 2-0, the Philippines will look to extend its perfect run against Singapore on Monday. The top three teams in the qualifiers will earn a spot in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Mongolia.