Gilas Men, Gilas Women both face host Thailand for SEA Games golds

CHONBURI, Thailand – Gilas Men and Gilas Women will both fight for gold medals in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games after they hurdled their Indonesian foes in contrasting fashion in the semifinals at the Nimibutr Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday, December 18.

Defending champion Gilas Men survived a major scare in a 71-68 victory, while Gilas Women won convincingly by way of a 66-55 triumph as they give the Philippines a shot at sweeping the 5-on-5 basketball crowns for the first time since 2019.

“A win is a win. We’re happy with it. We get a chance to move on to the finals,” said Gilas Men head coach Norman Black.

Gilas Men led by as many as 16 points with under four minutes left only to see that sizable advantage vanish to thin air as Indonesia got within 68-70 in the dying seconds.

A free throw by Robert Bolick with 7.3 ticks left proved the difference, with Indonesia forced to take a game-tying three-pointer that never came after they failed to get a shot off against the Filipinos’ stifling defense. 

Thirdy Ravena paced Gilas Men with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Jamie Malonzo supplied 13 points and 5 rebounds.

Bolick finished with 10 points and 6 assists in the narrow win that allowed Gilas Men to arrange a title clash with host Thailand on Friday, December 19. 

“We did make some knucklehead moves down the stretch as far as our decision-making, but hey, we’re happy to be here, we’re happy to win, we’re happy to get to the finals,” said Black. 

While Gilas Men remained in danger until the final second, Gilas Women raced to a blazing start and remained in control the rest of the way as they dethroned Indonesia. 

Kacey dela Rosa once again showed the way for Gilas Women, whose lead peaked at 37-18, with 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 4 steals, while Afril Bernardino also delivered all-around numbers of 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. 

Gilas Women will also face the hosts in the gold-medal match on Friday. 

“Just so proud of the girls. They never gave up,” said Gilas Women head coach Patrick Aquino. – Rappler.com