‘Defense wins championships’: Pilipinas-Davao’s grit, composure deliver ASG basketball crown

“Defense wins championships.” 

That was the reminder head coach Jess Linus Evangelio highlighted as the Philippines clinched a dramatic 90-86 overtime win against Malaysia to secure the boys basketball title of the 14th ASEAN School Games at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Brunei, Nov. 27.

The victory sealed a flawless five-game sweep for Team Pilipinas-Davao, a squad anchored by the 2025 Palarong Pambansa champion Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) roster and reinforced by four standouts from Central Luzon.

Coach Evangelio credited the result to discipline and relentless preparation, saying he was confident because the team practiced daily even during the Brunei tournament stretch.

Guard Matt Jeric Cayetano said he kept himself grounded by sticking to the game plan and embracing the gritty work required in crunch time.

“I just focused on sticking to our game plan, play tough defense, fight for every loose ball, and do whatever my team needed. In those moments, all I was thinking about was helping us get the win and making sure I didn’t waste any opportunity on the court.”

He added that trusting the coaches and following in-game adjustments helped the squad stay composed against Malaysia’s late surge.

For Rhysus Bajenting, the team’s response to adversity, especially the ejection of one of its key slashers, proved their resiliency under pressure.

“What was on my mind was to stay focused on our goal of winning, even after our key player got ejected. I knew I had to step up all of us did because we lost our main slasher who could break down the defense. So we relied on hustle and confidence in ourselves to push through.”

Bajenting pointed to Rene Baterbonia’s clutch three-pointer as the turning point that steadied the Filipinos and set up their decisive defensive stand in overtime.

Baterbonia said the team handled the final-minute pressure by tuning out the crowd noise, trusting one another, and keeping their composure until the last possession.

“What was on my mind was to stay focused on our goal of winning, even after our key player got ejected. I knew I had to step up all of us did because we lost our main slasher who could break down the defense. So we relied on hustle and confidence in ourselves to push through.”

Representing both Ateneo and the Philippines added weight to the win, Baterbonia said, noting how meaningful it was to carry school and country on an international stage.

Team sponsor Mrs. Jo Cayetano, mother of Matt Jeric Cayetano said watching the players grow, persevere, and mature made the journey deeply fulfilling.

“Seeing the team succeed at the ASEAN School Games made me so proud and happy. Witnessing the team grow, persevere and work hard in achieving their goals  made everything worth it. I have never been this proud of the team that they have become as well as individuals.”

She believes the championship will inspire young Filipino athletes, showing them that hard work, humility, and faith can open doors regardless of their background.

She added that the team remains united as a family, committed to supporting one another and pursuing greater opportunities ahead.

Evangelio said sustaining this level of play starts with humility, which he emphasized as the key to continuous improvement.

With a historic ASG title, a culture rooted in discipline, and a roster willing to embrace their roles, Pilipinas-Davao enters its next chapter poised for even greater strides.

Editor’s note: All interviews were secured and conducted by Explained PH staffers.