Gilas Pilipinas look to build on the dominant opening win against Malaysia as they take on Vietnam next in SEA Games 2025 basketball.
Buoyed by a dominant opening win and a promising debut from Dalph Panopio, Gilas Pilipinas Men look to keep their perfect start going when they face Vietnam in the SEA Games 2025 on Monday, Dec. 15.
Tip off is at 12:30 p.m. (Philippine time) in Bangkok, Thailand.
[RELATED STORY: Gilas Pilipinas buck slow start to smash Malaysia in SEA Games 2025 opener]
The Filipinos are coming off an emphatic 83-58 victory over Malaysia, a game that showcased both their depth and defensive identity.
Ray Parks Jr. led the charge with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Robert Bolick provided steady support with 17 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Thirdy Ravena also made his presence felt with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Amid the veterans’ strong showing, it was Panopio who quietly made waves.
The PBA rookie posted seven points, eight rebounds, an assist, and a steal in his seniors debut, his first national team appearance since suiting up for Batang Gilas.
[ALSO READ: Ray Parks leads Gilas vs Malaysia in SEA Games: 'Whatever the team needs me to do, I’ll do’]
Gilas didn’t have it easy early, trailing 16-22 before flipping the switch defensively.
The Filipinos clamped down in the second quarter, holding Malaysia to just four points, a stretch that effectively broke the game open.
“Kailangan talaga mag-gel. Pero identity talaga is defense: make stops, stop the penetration, then rebound," said Parks Jr.
With confidence building and chemistry steadily improving, Gilas now turns its focus to Vietnam, aiming to sweep Group A action and carry momentum into the knockout stage.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
—
[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]