Gilas Women put trust in defense to reclaim SEA Games basketball gold

BANGKOK — The Gilas Pilipinas Women were one possession away from needing overtime to clinch gold in the final game of the SEA Games 2025 women’s basketball tournament, after the home town team rallied back from as big as 12 points en route to a 73-70 win at the Nimibutr Stadium here on Friday night.

After leading by double digits, 70-60, with 6:18 left in the fourth quarter, Gilas had to fend off a Thailand comeback which slashed the lead to as small as two, 72-70.

With 17 seconds to go, Warinthon Summat pushed down Chack Cabinbin, earning her an unsportsmanlike foul which sent the Philippines to the line.

With Cabinbin pushing the lead to three points, Gilas retained possession because it was an unsportsmanlike foul.

But what they did in their last possession was a head-scratcher.

Not realizing they only had 14 seconds on the shot clock, the Filipina cagers decided to dribble the ball and milk the clock. However, the shot clock violation sounded with more than two seconds left, meaning that Thailand could’ve easily nailed a three-pointer at the death to send the game to overtime.

After the match, Gilas veteran Afril Bernardino said that it was a lapse in their decision-making.

“Siguro we made our decisions there as players. For the most part, sasabihin nga, decision-making [namin 'yung importante]. And siguro we were trying na lang na ubusin yung time kasi may advantage din kami sa part na yun.” Bernardino told POC Media in the venue on Friday. “Nawala rin siguro sa isip namin na there's a 16-second shot lang pa pala. After that, we have 2 seconds na oras na natitira.”

The lapse in judgement allowed Thailand to call for timeout and draw a play. Having already chosen their fate, Bernardino said the team just needed to double down on their defense.

“Siguro, nagtiwala kami sa teammate namin na good defense lang at possession.” said Bernardino.

Easier said than done

Still, it was a tall ask for Gilas to remain calm and collected in the late goings of the game.

Going up against the host country, there were scores of fans lined up at Nimibutr Stadium that were all cheering for Gilas’ downfall.

Even if the team did have some supporters of their own, Thailand was the clear crowd favorite.

But for Bernardino, it was a welcomed development to see women’s basketball draw so many people here in Bangkok — never mind that they were cheering against them.

“Sobrang ganda, sobrang pressure at the same time nakaka-boost. Kasi siyempre marami pa rin pinoy lang sumusuporta sa atin.” she said.

Regardless of what happened in the endgame and how many supporters were present for the Philippines, Bernardino had one goal and she was able to accomplish it.

After relinquishing their throne in SEA Games last 2023 in Cambodia, things were finally on the up and up for the Gilas Women.

“Lagi ko naman sinasabi after the game. Sobrang proud ako sa mga teammates ko.” she said.

“At yung sabi ko lang yung coach Pat after the buzzer ends. Sabi ko sa kanya, we did it again. Siguro it's the best challenge for us na nagbalik namin yung throne sa Pilipinas.” she continued.

The Gilas Women thus have won three of the last four SEA Games women’s basketball tournament since the 2019 edition in Manila. The gold medal team featured the likes of two-time UAAP MVP Kacey Dela Rosa, veterans Bernardino, Cabinbin, and Janine Pontejos, and youngsters Sophia Dignadice and Sarah Heyn.

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.