Playing with a chip on his shoulder in the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand, Jamie Malonzo reminded everyone why he deserves to be a part of the Gilas Pilipinas program.
With 8.1 ticks left to play, Gilas Pilipinas sniper Robert Bolick turned to the fans and made the “night night” gesture Friday night, Dec. 19.
Bolick went on to nail the two free throws that guaranteed the Filipino dribblers a gold medal in the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.
[RELATED STORY: Gilas overcomes Thailand to capture SEA Games gold]
But, just like in the Nationals' previous games in this year's edition of the biennial meet, it was not easy to cross the finish line victorious.
The storyline was the same: they struggled early, got their groove late, then hung tough to secure their 70-64 victory over Thailand in the finals that silenced the home crowd at the Nimibutr Stadium.
While Bolick iced the game, it was Jamie Malonzo who made the difference anew on both ends of the floor.
[RELATED STORY: SEA Games: Jamie Malonzo X factor for Gilas in semis win vs Indonesia]
Welcome to the Jamie Malon-show
Malonzo came through with a game-high 17 points and 12 rebounds.
He also had three assists and five steals for Gilas, who clinched back-to-back gold medals despite facing lineup woes due to the flip-flopping rules on eligibility.
Malonzo's last field goal came at the 4:15 mark of the fourth period — a layup off a graceful sidestep move that gave Gilas a 12-point edge, 67-55.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Women put trust in defense to reclaim SEA Games basketball gold]
But the host team refused to just roll over and die in front of their supporters.
Chanatip Jakrawan, Moses Morgan and Nakorn Jaisanuk tried to will Thailand back.
Jaisanuk canned three free throws to close in, 64-68.
But Freddie Lish botched two chances from the foul line with only 13.3 ticks left to play, and Gilas went on to claim the gold medal.
[ALSO READ: Pat Aquino reflects on getting Gilas Women SEA Games gold in enemy territory: ‘Sweeter ito’]
Matthew Wright also came up with big shots and wound up with 14 points while Bolick scored 10.
Jakrawan had 13 points for the Thais.
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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.