The Gilas Pilipinas Women U18 have swept the SEABA Qualifiers to enter FIBA Asia Division B. Now they have to face tougher opponents on the road to regain Division A status.
By sweeping the FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers, the Gilas Pilipinas U18 team took the first step needed to regain Division A status. Next comes the big leap.
The Julie Amos-coached Filipinas swept the four-team SEABA field, routing host Thailand (103-58), Malaysia (100-68), and Indonesia (73-37).
"But it's only part of the long road to Division A.
"Winning it all in SEABA means a lot to us," said Amos. "We knew it’s a longer journey and it’s a big task. The focus and determination to compete was there from Day 1 of training."
With the ticket to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B tournament secured, the 49th ranked Philippines would next face 51st ranked Syria, 86th ranked Lebanon, and 96th ranked Maldives in Group B.
Meanwhile, number 48 Samoa, number 66 Iran, number 73 Hong Kong, and number 100 Kyrgyzstan will tussle in Group A.
"We were able to get that momentum and confidence needed to play in FIBA. Mission is not done yet. We will not stop preparing," Amos said.
"It was an impressive run by the girls showing what they are capable of," said Gilas Women coach and U18 consultant Patrick Aquino, who steered the Philippine Youth team to Division A back in 2010.
Gilas Women U18 will take on Maldives on June 24, Lebanon on June 25, and Syria on June 26 in the group stage of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B tournament in Shenzhen, China.