The deeper the tournament goes, the clearer one thing becomes for Gilas Pilipinas Girls: this team is not built around a single star.
Two games into the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup–SEABA Qualifiers, the Philippines has showcased a luxury few youth teams possess — production coming from virtually everywhere.
That depth was on full display once again Wednesday evening as Gilas overwhelmed Singapore, 83-53, at the STI West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City to remain unbeaten and seize sole possession of first place in the five-nation tournament.
Fresh off a 51-point demolition of Vietnam in its opener, the Philippines encountered a brief challenge from Singapore early on. The visitors stayed within striking distance throughout the opening quarter and trailed by just a point, 18-17, after the first 10 minutes.
But once Gilas settled in, the gap between the two sides quickly became evident.
Sophia Dignadice orchestrated the attack while Zaydhen Rosano helped ignite a decisive second-quarter surge that transformed a close contest into a comfortable lead. The Filipinas outscored Singapore, 26-10, in the period to enter halftime ahead, 42-27.
The second-half script followed a familiar pattern.
Wave after wave of Philippine pressure gradually wore down Singapore as the lead ballooned to as much as 32 points, allowing Gilas to cruise to its second straight double-digit victory.
What has made the Philippines particularly dangerous through the opening rounds is the collective nature of its offense.
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TWO FOR TWO
Gilas Pilipinas Women U18 kept the momentum going on home court, defeating Singapore to stay unbeaten in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers.#GilasPilipinas #FIBA #SEABA pic.twitter.com/lE5rbQKjGg
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 3, 2026
For the second consecutive game, every player who saw action found the scoring column, underscoring both the team’s balance and coach Sandy Arespacochaga’s confidence in his entire roster.
Tiffany Reyes spearheaded the attack with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting clip while also contributing seven rebounds and four steals. Dignadice continued her impressive tournament with 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and four steals without committing a turnover.
Rosano added nine points, while Rhiane Perez chipped in seven. Brianna Katigbak and Lea Pinuela supplied six points apiece as the Filipinas showcased their growing offensive versatility.
Singapore struggled to keep pace throughout the night, with Hui Jun Ayeni emerging as its lone double-digit scorer. The defeat dropped Singapore to 0-2 in the standings.
The result leaves Gilas alone at the top of the table and strengthens its position as the team to beat in the regional qualifiers.
With momentum firmly on its side, the Philippines now shifts its attention to another important test against Thailand.
If the first two games have revealed anything, it is that Gilas does not need a single player to carry the load. The Filipinas are winning through numbers, depth, and relentless energy — a formula that has placed them two victories closer to another successful international campaign.
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