Still stung by the heartbreak of the 2023 Games, Gilas Pilipinas Women finally fulfilled their promise of redemption, reclaiming their rightful place atop Southeast Asian women’s basketball.
Carrying the weight of the nation on her young shoulders, Kacey dela Rosa delivered a defensive masterclass down the stretch as the Philippines stifled host Thailand’s valiant comeback attempt.
Gilas secured a 73-70 victory to successfully reclaim the gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Friday evening, in front of a predominantly Filipino crowd at Bangkok’s Nimibutr Stadium.
This triumph marked the Philippines’ third gold medal — and 15th overall — further cementing their status as the region’s dominant women’s basketball program, having captured three titles in the last four editions of the biennial meet.
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“Amazing game and an amazing run. I can’t say anything more about the girls — I am so proud of them, they gave it their all. I also want to thank Thailand for playing a good game today. It’s been a hard battle to reach the gold. Hopefully, mas marami pa ganitong moments for the Philippines,” said Philippines head coach Pat Aquino.
“Siguro ‘yon yung dahilan kung bakit mas sweeter itong tournament na ito. Because of that rule that they had, nahirapan kami, and at the last minute, biglang nagkaroon ng change. Just happy that we had our dedicated girls. Sarap lang sa feeling,” he added.
The Thai team trimmed a 72-65 fourth-quarter deficit to just 72-70 with 1:05 remaining. But determined to complete the Philippines’ flawless march toward regional supremacy, dela Rosa blocked Laksamee Hewchaiyaphum’s game-tying floater with 23.1 seconds left.
Dela Rosa’s defensive heroics didn’t end there. The two-time UAAP MVP also denied Kanokwan Prajuapsook’s game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer — ultimately sealing Gilas Women’s perfect campaign in the 2025 Games.
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Earlier, national team veteran Afril Bernardino and 17-year-old rookie Sophia Dignadice combined for a crucial third-quarter surge. Dignadice drained three consecutive inside shots, while Bernardino converted a layup to establish a 65-55 cushion over Thailand that proved insurmountable.
“Lagi ko naman sinasabi na after the game, sobrang proud ako sa mga teammates ko. And sabi ko lang kay coach Pat after the buzzer na we did it again. Siguro it’s the best challenge for us na naibalik namin yung throne sa Pilipinas,” Bernardino said after contributing a game-high 19 points alongside 12 rebounds, three steals, one block, and one assist.
Dela Rosa capped off a heroic performance with 17 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, and one steal. Dignadice showed poise beyond her years, adding 10 points, three steals, two assists, and one block.
Khate Castillo chipped in nine points, two rebounds, and one steal, while Janine Pontejos added eight points, five rebounds, and one assist.
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Earlier in the tournament, both squads had earned outright tickets to the semifinals: Gilas advanced to the gold medal round with a 66-55 win over Indonesia, while Thailand edged 13-time SEA Games champion Malaysia, 58-51.
Thailand settled for silver, ending a six-year medal drought after last making the podium in 2019. On the other hand, Indonesia claimed bronze with a narrow 62-55 victory over Malaysia.
Team captain Supavadee Kunchuan paced Thailand with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, along with six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Rattiyakorn Udomsuk contributed 16 points, six rebounds, three steals, and one assist. Meanwhile, Prajuapsook added 15 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
The Scores:
Philippines (73) – Bernardino 19, Dela Rosa 17, Dignadice 10, Castillo 9, Pontejos 8, Cabinbin 4, Surada 4, Pingol 2, Heyn 0, Ozar 0.
Thailand (70) – Kunchuan 17, Udomsuk 16, Prajuapsook 15, Wongtapha 5, Klunbut 5, Summat 4, Sriprem 4, Jensen 2, Thongdaeng 2, Phetnin 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 50-43, 65-58, 73-70.
