Host team Thailand claimed the last seat in the Southeast Asian Games men's 5x5 basketball gold medal match after making short work of Malaysia in the semifinals.
Gilas Pilipinas and Thailand renew their rivalry in Southeast Asian basketball.
This as the two teams collide in the SEA Games 2025 men’s 5x5 basketball finals at the Nimibutr Stadium in Thailand Friday, Dec. 18.
The host team claimed the last seat in the biennial meet’s championship round after making short work of Malaysia, 86-55, in the semifinals.
The Thais were in control almost the entire match, refusing to give Malaysia an ounce of confidence.
Gilas' trek to the biggest stage paled in comparison to Thailand’s.
Earlier, the Nationals advanced to the gold-medal match after surviving Indonesia, 71-68.
[RELATED STORY: Gilas bucks slow start anew, foils Indonesia to advance to SEAG Finals]
Gilas needed to erase an early 12-point deficit and hold off Indonesia’s late-game uprising for the sweet victory.
Thirdy Ravena led the team in scoring with 16 points on top of six rebounds and two assists, while Jamie Malonzo had 13 markers, three boards and five steals.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Women dethrone Indonesia to barge into SEA Games basketball gold medal round]
Robert Bolick added 10 points and six rebounds for the Philippine team defending its title in the regional spectacle.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.