Gilas puts up huge fightback, frustrate Thailand to defend SEAG title

Sports

SIMPLY the best in Southeast Asian basketball.

Gilas Pilipinas proved this when it nipped host Thailand, 70-64, in their gold-medal match in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Friday night, Dec. 19, at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.

Moments after its women’s counterpart secured the gold in the distaff side also at the expense of the host country, the Norman Black-coached Gilas put up its own stellar performance that saw them rally from double-digit deficits to seal the country’s first golden double since 2021.

The win also sealed the Philippines’ record-extending 20th gold medal in the biennial meet’s men’s 5x5 basketball tournament.

The Thais appeared ready to pluck their first-ever gold in the competition when they built leads of as many as 13 points in the second period and erected a nine-point cushion at the half, 38-29.

Sensing danger, the Filipinos made a bold move in the third canto, where Jamie Malonzo scored 11 in a 23-10 run that allowed Gilas to steal the upperhand, 52-48, going into the final period.

Thailand staged its own rally to even the count at 52-all but Malonzo, Thirdy Ravena, Cedrick Manzano, and Matthew Wright conspired in a searing rally that pushed the Nationals to a 67-55 lead with 4:15 left.

Thailand moved within 64-68 with 47 seconds but Gilas came up with timely stops and crucial misses by the pesky opponent sealed the outcome of the contest.

Malonzo had his best performance in the tournament as he tallied 17 points, 12 rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Wright added 14 points and three rebounds, while Robert Bolick tossed in 10 points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Chanatip Jakrawan led Thailand with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals, while Emmanuel Ejesu collected 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Indonesia, meanwhile, sealed a bronze-medal finish by beating Malaysia, 80-68.

THE SCORES:

PHILIPPINES (70) – Malonzo 17, Wright 14, Bolick 10, Panopio 9, Erram 8, Ravena 5, Manzano 4, Parks 3, Tratter 0, Chua 0, Pessumal 0.

THAILAND (64) – Jakrawan 13, Ejesu 13, Chungyampin 8, Diaby 7, Leelaphipatkul 6, Lush 6, Jaisanuk 6, Morgan 5, Thongpool 0, Jiamsawasd 0.QUARTERSCORES: 17-22, 29-38, 52-48, 70-64.(CCM)