Gilas is back as SEA Games champ. PSC-POC Media Pool |
TAGUIG—The Philippines is number one again in the sport it is expected to dominate in Southeast Asia.
Gilas Pilipinas reclaimed the throne in the Southeast Asian Games men's 5x5 basketball event after beating Cambodia, 80-69, in the gold medal match in front of more than 1,800 fans at the Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh on Tuesday night.
Gilas turned to its defense in the second quarter to shake Cambodia up, holding the American-bolstered home side to just 11 points after taking a slim 22-21 lead after the first as Gilas took a 44-33 advantage at the half.
Gilas then forced Cambodia to an exchange of baskets in the third quarter, while back-to-back triples doused cold water on Cambodia's early fourth quarter rally to seal the win.
Justin Brownlee led Gilas, which won the gold again after losing it last year in Hanoi, with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
Chris Newsome added 16 points, two rebounds, and four assists for Gilas, which has now won a total of 19 gold medals in the SEA Games men's 5x5 basketball tournament.
Brandon Peterson made 18 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Cambodia, which will still finish at its best ever in the SEA Games despite failing to repeat its massive 79-68 upset during the group stages.
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