SOUTHEAST ASIAN KINGS: Gilas men clinch 20th SEAG hoops gold; overcome host Thailand with second-half surge

For two decades, the Philippines has once again lorded over Southeast Asian men’s 5×5 basketball.

Just as if tailored for glory and history, Gilas Pilipinas stamped a record-extending 20th title out of 23 tournaments after riding a second-frame revival to deny the home-court advantaged Thailand, 70-64, to pocket the 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s 5-on-5 basketball gold medal on Dec. 19.

With the win, Gilas also completed a successful title defense in the competition after topping the 2023 series of the said biennial meet despite a series of difficulties in forming the golden squad due to the eligibility rules imposed by the host country.

The Philippines sparked an offensive resurgence right out of the opening moments of the third quarter, highlighted by a 15-3 burst as Jamie Malonzo, Matthew Wright, and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. waxed hot beyond the arc to reverse a 13-point deficit into a three-point lead, 44-41.

Showing no signs of slowing down, Malonzo flushed five straight markers underscored by a decisive driving layup to cap off a berserk 13-0 run as Gilas built a decisive 12-point cushion in the payoff period, 67-55.

However, Thailand crept closer after a series of free throws, including Nakorn Jaisanuk’s 3-for-3 conversion after Thirdy Ravena fouled him in a three-point attempt, 68-64.

Proving composure down the wire, NLEX star guard Robert Bolick then proceeded to ice the game as he calmly sank two charities with 8.1 seconds left to ultimately deny the Thais and complete the comeback win.

Spearheading Gilas’ resurgence was former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel wing Malonzo, who hosted an offensive masterclass after tallying a strong 17-point, 12-rebound double-double to go with five steals.

Former PBA star Wright and Gilas’ team captain Bolick backstopped Malonzo’s brilliance with 14 and 10 markers, respectively.

Dalph Panopio chipped in nine points, while Poy Erram provided stability for the Philippines’ frontcourt after dishing out eight markers and six rebounds.

Spearheading the Thais were Emmanuel Chinedu Ejesu and Chanatip Jakrawan, who each scored 13 points, but it was proven futile as their team’s free-throw shooting proved too costly, as they have only converted just 70.3% of shots (26-of-37).