The numbers are staggering: 121-28. Gilas Pilipinas Youth dismantled Vietnam in their FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers opener at the Chankapoh Gym in Krabi, Thailand, on June 10, 2026, turning the game into a one-sided affair from the get-go . The young Filipinos overwhelmed their opponents with relentless defense and balanced scoring en route to a historic 93-point victory.
The Philippines wasted no time flexing its talent, racing to a 39-11 lead at the end of the first quarter before holding Vietnam to just four points in the second period to build a commanding 68-15 advantage at halftime . The Gilas Boys tightened the screws even further in the third quarter, shutting out Vietnam completely while scoring 25 unanswered points to take a 93-15 lead entering the final frame . All 12 players who saw action found their way into the scoring column, with seven finishing in double figures.
Pampanga's Chog Morales Orchestrates the Attack
Kapampangan playmaker Kenji "Chog" Morales, a standout formerly from the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA), proved why he belongs on the international stage. In just 18 minutes of action, the 17-year-old floor general filled up the stat sheet with five points, 10 assists, seven steals, and five rebounds . His court vision and defensive pressure repeatedly turned stops into transition baskets, setting the tempo that Vietnam simply could not match .
Morales had previously made his Gilas Youth debut during the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, where he faced UAAP-level competition. The experience has clearly paid off. In the second game against Singapore on June 11, he continued his all-around excellence, posting five points, seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals in another dominant win . The Kapampangan standout's ability to stuff the stat sheet without needing high scoring volume makes him a uniquely valuable asset to head coach Juno Sauler's system.
A Statement Game for Philippine Youth Basketball
University of the East standout Ethan Aguas fired 19 points and six rebounds to lead the Gilas offense . He was followed by UP recruit Joaquin Tovera with 16 points, while Hans Patagoc and Andrew Xavier Chio contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively . Louis Razon, Prince Cariño, and Patrick Pasinos each chipped in 11 points, demonstrating the depth that makes this Gilas squad so dangerous.
The game's defining moment came in the third quarter, where the Philippines held Vietnam scoreless while pouring in 25 points of their own . This marks the first time in recent memory that a Philippine youth team has achieved a scoreless quarter against international competition. Gilas also dominated the rebounding department, 59-26, and assist tally, 29-8, numbers that reflect a disciplined, team-first approach rarely seen at this age level.
What's Next for Gilas Youth
With the 93-point demolition behind them, Gilas Youth is now focusing on the remainder of the tournament. The team went on to defeat Singapore 110-50 on June 11, holding their opponents scoreless in the third quarter once again . They then crushed Malaysia 130-54 on June 13 to remain undefeated and secure a spot in the finals.
The team is competing for a slot in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Ahmedabad, India, scheduled for August 13-23, 2026 . With their dominant start and Kapampangan star Chog Morales at the helm, Gilas Youth looks poised to bring the SEABA title back to the Philippines.
