MANILA – For the first time in almost three decades, the national men’s basketball team were just bridesmaids in the Southeast Asian Games cage competition.
Gilas Pilipinas were unseated as kings of the SEA Games hoops in a stunning, unthinkable and unexpected 85-81 defeat to Indonesia last night at the Thanh Tri Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Vincent “Chot” Reyes-mentored Gilas Pilipinas was a picture of struggle as they were behind 18-14 after the first 10 minutes and 36-32 heading into the break.
June Mar Fajardo carried the offensive load for Gilas Pilipinas in the third period as they built a 60-54 advantage but four consecutive treys by Brandon Jawato gave the Indons a 65-60 upperhand.
Gilas were still hanging around at the coattails of Indonesia at 79-81 on five straight points by Matthew Wright but a missed shot from him followed by free throws by Marques Bolden gave the Indons their first-ever SEA Games cage crown.
The defeat ended the national men’s basketball team’s 13th consecutive gold medal. It was also the first time that the national squad placed runner up in SEA Games basketball since 1989.
Gilas Pilipinas Women, meanwhile, retained its women’s basketball gold medal despite suffering a 96-93 loss to Malaysia to close out their campaign on Sunday morning.
Unlike in their previous matches, the Gilas Pilipinas Women struggled with their offense against the gutsy Malaysia as they were behind 54-58 at the half.
Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino carried the scoring cudgels for the Philippines in the third quarter but the Malaysians had their answers to widen the lead to 77-71.
Gilas Women came up with a strong run in the fourth quarter to take a 91-86 advantage but Malaysians responded with three-pointers from Ching Yin Yin to stun the Pinay cagers.
Pontejos finished with 18 points, six rebounds, three assists for Gilas Women while Bernardino chipped in 16 markers, seven boards, seven steals, and three blocks./PN
