Complete domination.
The Gilas Pilipinas pulled off a monumental sweep of the 30th Southeast Asian Games 3×3 men’s basketball competition to conquer the throne on Monday afternoon.
The Philippines rode the crest of its unbeaten streak and belted Indonesia with a 21-9 whipping to capture the gold in the three-a-side event of the biennial meet at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
CJ Perez caught fire to open the match, letting loose four quick baskets and setting the tone to Gilas’ overwhelming pace.
The rest of his brothers-in-arms then followed suit as they mounted a searing run that saw their lead balloon to as high as 12, 18-16 courtesy of Perez’s consecutive blows.
Perez then buoyed the Philippines to a 19-9 cushion, before Mo Tautuaa splashed a long bomb from the right-wing for the crown.
“Saya. Kasi first 3×3, first gold medal natin. Its an honor para ma-represent yung country dito sa homecourt natin. Sobrang saya,” Perez said.
The product of Lyceum of the Philippines scintillated on the biggest of stages, busting out a series of jaw-dropping highlights including a poster dunk midway through the match. He poured in 10 points in the contest.
Chris Newsome supplied four markers, while Jason Perkins and Mo Tautuaa chimed in four and three points, respectively.
The tricolor squad ends its campaign with an immaculate 8-0 slate.
Meanwhile, Vietnam wrested bronze at the expense of Thailand, 21-17, in a highly physical battle for third.
