Gilas Girls escape New Zealand for first win in FIBA U18 Asia Cup Division A

Gilas Pilipinas Girls secured their maiden win in the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup Division A after a thrilling 69-64 win over New Zealand on Tuesday at the Karisma Arena in Malaysia.

Zaydhen Rosano shone on both ends with 23 points and seven rebounds while Rhiane Perez chipped in 13 markers, six boards, two steals, and one dime as they improved to 1-2 to end their Group A run.

Grace Curley added nine points and 10 rebounds as Tifanny Reyes chimed in with nine markers as well to go with five boards as they bounced back from two lopsided losses to Australia, 102-47, and South Korea, 86-70.

Down one in the fourth, Perez completed a layup that gave the young Filipinas a 65-64 lead in the final 50 seconds before Rosano hit a pair of free throws to build a crucial three-point lead.

Curley sealed the deal from the stripes, sinking her own pair of freebies off a foul from Riley McClenaghan to bring Gilas Girls to a 69-64 cushion with 15 ticks to go.

The win allowed Gilas to remain in contention as it sees action in the qualification to semifinals on Thursday against the second seed in Group B.

—JMB, GMA News