Gilas Pilipinas reclaimed Southeast Asian women’s basketball supremacy, holding off a tough Thailand side in a winner-take-all clash.
Redemption complete.
Gilas Pilipinas Women pocketed a nail-biting 73-70 escape against host Thailand, bagging the gold medal and reclaiming regional basketball dominance at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Friday, December 19 at the Nimibutr National Stadium.
After the Thais pulled to within three at 52-55 in the third quarter, the Philippines responded with a 10-3 run to take a 65-55 lead, capped by a left-handed floater from Sophia Dignadice with 1:20 remaining.
However, Thailand made it a single possession game after a three-pointer made it 70-72 with under a minute left.
When it mattered most, Kacey Dela Rosa came up with a clutch defensive block, and Jack Cabinbin followed with a free throw to push the lead to 73-70 with 16.9 seconds remaining.
Gilas Women then held on in the waning moments to secure their third SEA Games women’s basketball crown in the last four editions of the tournament.
The Nationals also completed a perfect 4-0 title run, while Thailand settled for their 10th silver overall. Indonesia rounded out the podium with an 80-68 victory over Malaysia earlier.
Later at 8:00 p.m., Gilas Men gun for their 20th SEA Games gold in taking host Thailand.
[ALSO READ: GILAS SCHEDULE | Philippine basketball at SEA Games 2025]
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.