TIFFANY Reyes proved she deserves her spot in the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team.
Reyes showed this as she nailed the game-winning clutch jumper to carry the Philippines past a stunned South Korea, 77-75, for its first victory in the 2025 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U-16 Women’s Asia Cup on Wednesday night at Seremban, Malaysia.
Reyes, who celebrated her 15th birthday in style, got the minutes in crunch time and did not disappoint, despite South Korea’s comeback from 60-69 deficit to seize the lead at 75-74.
She took charge in the clutch to put her team in the win column in Group A for third place.
“Our team struggled a lot in the first two games and even today. But I am thankful to my teammates and to coach Pat Aquino, the women’s basketball program director, that he gave me the confidence to knock down that shot for the win,” Reyes said.
“We must be consistent and hope to sustain the charge.”
The 5’11” daughter of former Philippine Basketball Association big man Jay-R Reyes, finished the game with 16 points, including four triples, three rebounds and four blocks, improving her 12-point production in a 48-74 Gilas loss to Chinese Taipei last week.
Reyes is currently no. 4 in three-point shooting field goals made with 16, alongside top three-point hitters Chinese Yuanshan Li with 38, Seun Lim of South Korea with 31, followed by Australian Sophie Richardson with 17 threes in three games.
The Gilas Pilipinas U16 squad was to meet China on Friday at 7 p.m. in the qualification for semifinal slot.
“My priority is to help my team if I am inside the court,” she added. “I must be ready all the time. We will do our best in our next game.”
Reyes has honed her skills in Cincinnati, USA a few months ago to enhance her mental toughness and physical game despite her lanky frame, under coach Dante Harlan, who also trained other elite Filipino players like Kai Sotto, Jack Animam and Sage Tolentino.
While in the Philippines, Reyes is guided and trained by skills’ trainer coach Paolo Gorospe.
