SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Kings And Queens Of The Court As Gilas Sweeps SEA Games Basketball Gold
Photo credit: POC
The Philippines once again showed who rules Southeast Asian basketball — and it did so on the host nation’s home floor.
Friday night at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok turned into a golden celebration for Gilas Pilipinas, as both the men’s and women’s teams pulled off hard-fought wins against Thailand to complete a basketball sweep at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
The Gilas men set the tone with a gritty 70–64 victory, unleashing a decisive 13–0 run in the fourth quarter to break away from the hosts and successfully defend their title.
Jamie Malonzo delivered a powerhouse performance, finishing with 17 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and five steals, providing the spark when Gilas needed it most.
For head coach Norman Black, the triumph stood above the rest.
“Right now, it’s No. 1 in my books,” Black said, placing the win ahead of his championships in the PBA, UAAP, and even the Philippines’ gold run in the 2011 SEA Games.
Despite being forced to field a retooled lineup due to Thailand’s strict eligibility rules, Gilas refused to be rattled. Robert Bolick, who scored 10 points, helped erase a nine-point halftime deficit as the Filipinos clawed back in the third quarter.
Thailand mounted one last push in the closing seconds, but Gilas stayed composed and sealed the win at the line.
Not long after, the Gilas women completed the golden night with a thrilling 73–70 victory of their own.
Team captain Afril Bernardino led the charge with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Kacey Dela Rosa dominated inside with 17 points and 16 boards. Sophia Dignadice added timely contributions, and clutch free throws from Chuck Cabinbin in the final moments put the game away.
“I’m so proud of the girls. They gave everything they had,” said head coach Patrick Aquino. “Winning here, away from home, makes it even sweeter.”
Two finals. Two wins. Two gold medals.
On Thailand’s home court, Gilas once again proved it still sits on the throne of Southeast Asian basketball.
Friday night at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok turned into a golden celebration for Gilas Pilipinas, as both the men’s and women’s teams pulled off hard-fought wins against Thailand to complete a basketball sweep at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
The Gilas men set the tone with a gritty 70–64 victory, unleashing a decisive 13–0 run in the fourth quarter to break away from the hosts and successfully defend their title.
Jamie Malonzo delivered a powerhouse performance, finishing with 17 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and five steals, providing the spark when Gilas needed it most.
For head coach Norman Black, the triumph stood above the rest.
“Right now, it’s No. 1 in my books,” Black said, placing the win ahead of his championships in the PBA, UAAP, and even the Philippines’ gold run in the 2011 SEA Games.
Despite being forced to field a retooled lineup due to Thailand’s strict eligibility rules, Gilas refused to be rattled. Robert Bolick, who scored 10 points, helped erase a nine-point halftime deficit as the Filipinos clawed back in the third quarter.
Thailand mounted one last push in the closing seconds, but Gilas stayed composed and sealed the win at the line.
Not long after, the Gilas women completed the golden night with a thrilling 73–70 victory of their own.
Team captain Afril Bernardino led the charge with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Kacey Dela Rosa dominated inside with 17 points and 16 boards. Sophia Dignadice added timely contributions, and clutch free throws from Chuck Cabinbin in the final moments put the game away.
“I’m so proud of the girls. They gave everything they had,” said head coach Patrick Aquino. “Winning here, away from home, makes it even sweeter.”
Two finals. Two wins. Two gold medals.
On Thailand’s home court, Gilas once again proved it still sits on the throne of Southeast Asian basketball.
Dec 20, 2025
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