Through every challenge—from flip-flopping eligibility rules to injury setbacks and last-minute roster changes—Gilas Pilipinas rose above the chaos, steadying itself when it mattered most to reaffirm the Philippines as the undisputed standard of Southeast Asian basketball.
The Philippines denied host nation Thailand a historic breakthrough, claiming a 70-64 victory to successfully defend the gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Friday evening, December 19, inside the hostile Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.
Fueled by Jamie Malonzo’s breakout performance in the second half, along with solid contributions from Matthew Wright, Thirdy Ravena, and Cedrick Manzano, Gilas overcame a sluggish start to secure a record-extending 20th Games gold medal.
Beyond cementing their status as the winningest men’s basketball team in the region, the triumph also marked Gilas’ second consecutive SEA Games gold, following their championship run in Cambodia in 2023.
After the Gilas Women’s team also overcame Thailand to reclaim their title, the Philippines completed a golden double in the 5-on-5 basketball tournaments for the first time since 2021.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s pursuit of its first-ever SEA Games gold in men’s 5-on-5 basketball came to a halt, settling for silver and reaching the podium for the fifth consecutive edition.
Indonesia, on the other hand, secured the bronze with an 80-68 victory over Malaysia earlier today.
