Gilas Pilipinas shifted into high gear to dominate Malaysia, starting their SEA Games 2025 gold medal bid with a strong win.
Gilas Pilipinas Men just needed a bit of time to recalibrate.
The Philippines bucked a slow start before dominating Malaysia for an 83-58 win, starting SEA Games 2025 men’s basketball with a bang on Sunday in Thailand.
Malaysia was actually ahead after the first quarter, 22-16, but Gilas Men limited their opponents to just four points in the second to turn the game around.
Gilas Pilipinas were in cruise control since, later turning the heat in the fourth quarter to put away Malaysia for good as Robert Bolick, Jamie Malonzo, and Ray Parks Jr. shined on offense.
It’s a winning start for the Norman Black-coached squad, looking to defend the gold medal after regaining first place from the 2023 edition of the SEA Games in Cambodia.