Gilas Pilipinas have won three of the last four SEA Games women’s basketball tournaments. But this one is a little more special.
BANGKOK — Gilas Pilipinas Women have seen a lot of success in recent years, particularly in the SEA Games where they’ve won three of the last four editions after claiming the program’s first gold in 2019 Manila.
Six years removed from that fateful December night at the Mall of Asia Arena, the GIlas Women have done it again — this time in different circumstances.
Not only are the players looking a little different without the steady presence of Jack Animam, but they were also on hostile territory, facing a large crowd of Thailand supporters at the Nimibutr Stadium here at the city’s center on Friday night.
Being able to eke out the cardiac win, 73-70, thanks to crucial defensive stops late, regaining the gold medal became all the more satisfying.
[READ: Gilas Women restore order, survive host Thailand to regain SEA Games basketball crown]
Head coach Pat Aquino said that it was one of the most challenging roads that the Philippines had taken, especially with their preparations hampered just a few weeks before the SEA Games because of eligibility issues.
Forced to reassess their game plan, Aquino had nothing but good things to say at the end of their campaign.
“I can’t say anything about the girls. I’m so proud of them. They gave it all. I’d like to thank also Thailand for playing a good game today. Wow, it’s been a hard battle going to the gold. Hopefully, mas marami pa, mas marami pang dumating for the Philippines.” he said.
Uphill battle
Despite some recent challenges, the Philippines is still widely regarded as one of the powerhouses in 5-on-5 basketball — both men’s and women’s.
But as the rest of the region tries to play catch up, Aquino was thankful for some of the adversity faced by the team. As they continue to push themselves to be year after year, their latest bid for SEA Games glory gets them to a higher level.
“'Yun 'yung bakit mas sweet tong tournament na ‘to. Because of that thrill that they had na pinahirapan nila, the last minute biglang babalik na lang ng game. Just happy, but you know, we had a good gameplan so, sarap lang ng feeling.” he said.
Of course, Aquino did also enjoy being able to play spoiler in front of a large home crowd.
Used to playing in front of crowds in the UAAP, the Gilas Pilipinas Women were able to eke out some heartbreak of their own against the hometown bets and their supporters.
“Yes of course, this is… parang sweeter ito kasi we’re out. 'Di tayo sa country natin. Eto yung talagang pinaghirapan nila. It was a tough game, it was… Talagang swertehan lang.” he said.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.