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Malaysia denies Gilas of SEA Games women's 5x5 basketball sweep with endgame rally

Gilas struggled in the end against Malaysia, but they will still take home the gold. PSC-POC Pool
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas missed out on sweeping the Southeast Asian Games women's 5x5 basketball event after Malaysia rallied back to take a 96-93 win in their final assignment on Sunday at the Thanh Tri District Sporting Hall in Hanoi.

Despite already clinching the gold medal, Gilas failed to finish the tournament the way they wanted it as they blew a late seven-point lead in the end.

Down 71-77 after the first three quarters, Gilas began the fourth quarter on a 22-9 run to take a 93-86 lead with two and a half minutes left.

However, Gilas could not close out the game, and Malaysia went on a 10-0 run capped by Chong Yin Yin's game-winning three with 17 seconds left.

Chong then saved the game after blocking Chack Cabinbin's ill-advised two-pointer as time ran out on Gilas.

Chong and Yap Fook Yee each scored 25 points to lead Malaysia, which boosted its chances of landing the bronze medal.

Pang Hui Pin added 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Malaysia will now hope for a Vietnam loss to Thailand later Sunday to clinch the bronze.

Janine Pontejos made 18 markers, six boards, three dimes, and one steal to lead Gilas, which will still walk away as back-to-back champs.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno

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