Gilas Youth captures 7th straight SEABA U18 crown, fends off Thais

Gilas Pilipinas Youth overcame a spirited challenge from host Thailand, pulling away late for an 85–70 victory to pocket the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers championship at Chankapoh Gym in Krabi, June 14.

The victory also completed a 5–0 unbeaten campaign for the young Filipinos while securing their berth in the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup.

Joaquin Tovera paced Gilas with 21 points and was later named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. 

Thailand forced a 55-all deadlock with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter, threatening to derail Gilas Youth’s title bid. 

Yet the Filipinos quickly regained control with a decisive 13–4 run that spanned the final minutes of the period and the start of fourth, opening a 68-59 lead with more than six minutes left.

Gilas continued to create separation, stringing together six unanswered points to extend the lead to 78–63 with 1:35 remaining.

Then Patrick Pasinos widened the margin to 81–65 via a three-pointer with 57 ticks left, and eventually sealed the championship.

Previously, the Philippine squad vanquished the hapless Malaysians with a 130–54 beatdown in the semifinals before entering the latter match.

While they have already secured a berth in the 2026 FIBA U18 Men’s Asia Cup during the semis, they will be joined by Thailand in their next conquest in India this August.