Gilas Pilipinas turns back host Thailand to defend SEA Games throne

BANGKOK, Thailand – Not even the hosts’ flip-flopping on players’ eligibility rules could deny Gilas Pilipinas’ title defense.

The Philippines retained its men’s 5-on-5 basketball crown in the Southeast Asian Games after an inspired 70-64 comeback win over Thailand at the jampacked Nimibutr Arena here on Friday, December 19.

Jamie Malonzo, Robert Bolick, and Thirdy Ravena hit big shots as the Nationals recovered from a slow start that saw them fall behind by double digits to capture a 20th SEA Games gold medal in the event.

It was vindication for the Filipinos after the team scrambled to put together a winning roster after local organizers barred the inclusion of those classified as naturalized players, which they had earlier approved.

The rule change prevented the entry of the likes of Justin Brownlee, Remy Martin, Ange Kouame, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Kymani Ladi.

But this group coached by Norman Black proved it can also get the job done, stunning a Thai side that reached the final with ease after winning all of its four previous games by a whopping margin of 44.3 points.

Thailand still led 55-54 with under eight minutes left after big man Poy Erram fouled out, but Gilas Pilipinas unleashed a 12-0 run highlighted by back-to-back Malonzo and Matthew Wright three-pointers.

Missed free throws then doomed the Thais, who failed to get any closer after cutting their deficit to 64-68 with under a minute left as Freddie Lish bungled both of his foul shots.

Bolick then sealed the win with a pair of free throws.

The Philippines swept the 5-on-5 basketball gold medals for the first time since 2019 as Gilas Women reclaimed the crown by also beating Thailand. – Rappler.com