Gilas Boys storm into SEABA U18 final with dominant rout

Gilas Pilipinas Boys cruised into the final of the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers after completely dismantling Malaysia, 130–54, on Saturday evening at the Chan Ka Pho Gymnasium in Krabi, Thailand.

The Philippines will face Thailand in the championship match on Sunday. Both teams have already secured qualification to the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, scheduled from August 13 to 23 in Ahmedabad, India.

The final will be a rematch of their group-stage meeting, where Gilas won convincingly, 93–63.

Coached by Juno Sauler, the young Filipinos put on a complete team performance, with every player who entered the game scoring. FEU-Diliman’s JB Cagurungan led the charge with 26 points, including seven three-pointers, while Prince Cariño continued his strong tournament with a perfect 10-of-10 shooting night for 21 points.

Joquin Tovera added 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Louis Razon scored 14 points, Ethan Aguas contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, and Andrew Chio chipped in 10 points.

Gilas took control early, leading 32–11 after the first quarter and building a massive lead of as many as 76 points. They held Malaysia to just 28% field goal shooting while forcing 19 turnovers that translated into 34 easy points.

Lim Kuanyit was Malaysia’s lone double-digit scorer with 10 points.

Prior to the final, Vietnam and Laos will contest sixth place, while Malaysia and Indonesia will battle for bronze. Singapore finished fifth with a 2–2 record.