Gilas Boys Complete SEABA 7-Peat with 85-70 Win Over Thailand

Gilas Pilipinas Boys extended their regional supremacy by capturing a seventh straight SEABA title in the 2026 FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup qualifiers, defeating host Thailand 85-70 on Sunday evening at Chan Ka Pho Gymnasium.

The championship victory pushed the Philippines’ all-time SEABA haul to 10 gold medals, including earlier titles in 1996, 1998, and 2004 before the current seven-peat streak.

Unlike their dominant 98-63 victory over Thailand earlier in the tournament, Gilas faced a much stiffer test this time. The hosts stayed competitive throughout and even tied the game at 55-all late in the third quarter.

The Filipinos responded with a strong push to close the quarter, with key contributions from Chog Moral, Pat Pasinos, Ethan Aguas, and Joaquin Tovera sparking a run that gave Gilas a 63-57 lead heading into the fourth.

Pasinos then took control in the final period, scoring 11 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter to help stretch the lead to as many as 16 points. The La Salle Green Hills standout also recorded six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals in an impressive all-around performance.

Tovera, who was named tournament MVP, paced Gilas with 21 points, while Aguas added 13 points and six rebounds. Moral contributed a well-rounded 10 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

Thailand stayed competitive with a balanced effort, as five players reached double figures. Lorenzo Ravazzini led the way with 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Ronnie Allsopp and Phurich Benjaariyakul each scored 13. Peerakan Wilairoj had 11 points and 11 assists, and Thanawat Pisarnyuttanapong added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Both Gilas Pilipinas and Thailand have already qualified for the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup, scheduled for August 13 to 23 in Ahmedabad, India.