Perez-MVP show powers Gilas Girls to flawless SEABA Qualifiers sweep

(C) SBP

The Filipinas opened their campaign with a 93-42 rout of Vietnam before defeating Singapore, 83-53, and Thailand, 86-48, on Friday.

UST standout Rhiane Perez was named Tournament MVP after capping her stellar campaign with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the final game.

Hometown favorite Sophia Dignadice contributed 14 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Tiffany Reyes added 12 points and Zuzzane Singson chipped in 11.

Behind the strong play of Perez and Dignadice, the hosts raced to a 25-14 first-quarter lead before blowing the game open with a 57-28 advantage at halftime.

(C) SBP

The Philippines led by as many as 34 points en route to the convincing victory.

Indonesia, which suffered its lone defeat of the tournament, was paced by Angelina Welly with 18 points, while Joanne Giovanni added 11.

As the relegated team from the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division A, Indonesia will compete in the Division B tournament scheduled from July 13 to 19 in Bangkok alongside host Thailand.

Malaysia, meanwhile, is also in Division A and is the host of this year’s continental championship.