SEREMBAN (Malaysia) - There was zero doubt on the part of Rhiane Perez that she and the Philippines could execute a play so crucial late in their FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 encounter versus New Zealand, Tuesday.
And execute they did, with the 17-year-old winger fearlessly attacking the rim before converting a difficult layup amid a foul for the 65-64 lead with 49.8 seconds left to play that turned the tides in their favor.
Gilas Youth went on to leave the Karisma Arena with the 69-64 decision in the bag, giving the country its first-ever win in Division A of the biennial youth competition while sealing a place in the Final Phase.
"For me, it was just another possession that we were going to run," she said when asked what was on her mind during that winning play. "Coach Sandy [Arespacochaga] always emphasizes taking it one possession at a time."
"And, we don’t care about the scoreboard. Every possession is 0-0. In fact, when we ran that sideline play, I didn’t know what the score was or how much time was left. In my mind, it was simply a 0-0 possession," she added.
I think that was the reason why I was able to make that basket. There was no doubt running through my mind.
Others could've folded in such a pressure-packed situation yet Perez herself showed maturity beyond the years, all thanks to the mentality being imparted by new head coach Sandy Arespacochaga to her and the squad.
Formerly of the U18 Gilas Boys, the veteran youth coach was brought in after the term of Pat Aquino, who steered the program to the top level of this tournament by ruling the Division B tilt in 2024 in Shenzhen, China.
"Winning or losing didn’t cross my mind because my focus was on doing what Coach Sandy told us to do and playing our game the way Pilipinas Basketball is meant to be played," said Perez, who finished with 13 points.
"Coach Sandy always reminds us that when we step onto the court, we don’t have to be anything but ourselves. That mindset gave me the confidence to trust the play, trust my teammates, and trust myself in that moment."
That kind of belief being taught by their mentors has been fueling this special batch in proving that they belong to be among Asia's best after being doubted by some entering the showpiece, being a newcomer in Division A.
"No one expects us to win, but we know that we can," said Perez. "And that makes us even more proud. Despite all the doubt and pressure, our coaches have been making us believe in ourselves more than we believe in our fears."
"That belief is what makes us stronger," the UAAP standout from University of Santo Tomas-Senior High School continued. "And it is what keeps us together, fighting for each other, and for our country."
The Philippines will try to go deeper into the tournament when they take on China in the Qualification to Semi-Finals later tonight, which if they do would also bring the program to a stage it has never been before.
The FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2027 in Chengdu, that is, where the Top 4 finishers in the ongoing tilt will qualify.
It would definitely be a dream come true for anybody to get into an event so prestigious but Perez and the rest of the squad aren't looking too far ahead, with all their attention drawn on the 16-time champions solely.
I want to be able to look back and know that every time I wore the Gilas jersey, I gave everything I had and never backed down.
It's not lost on them, too, that it would be too tall a mountain to climb given the quality of their upcoming opponents but none from the squad are backing down on the challenge - in fact, they're embracing it.
Because for those like 'Riri,' competing the hardest they could while wearing the Philippines jersey is a commitment they have made to themselves, for it is an honor and a privilege to be in such a position.
"My biggest dream as a member of Gilas is to make our country proud by giving our very best in every single game, no matter who we are up against. I want to represent it with pride, heart, and determination," she said.
"And to always give everything I have on the court for my country and my teammates. I want to be able to look back and know that every time I wore the Gilas jersey, I gave everything I had and never backed down."
"Winning is always the goal, but more than that, I want to inspire Filipinos, make my country proud, and show that when we play together and believe in ourselves, we can overcome any challenge," Perez added.
FIBA