Gilas overcomes one other sluggish begin to attain SEA Video games semis

Gilas Pilipinas turns again Vietnam to comb Group A and advance on to the semifinals of the 2025 Southeast Asian Video games, affording itself further time to work on its cohesion earlier than it plunges again into motion within the medal rounds

CHONBURI, Thailand – Gilas Pilipinas accomplished one other come-from-behind victory to earn an outright spot within the semifinals of the 2025 Southeast Asian Video games.

Looking for a twentieth males’s basketball gold medal within the regional showdown, the Philippines moved inside two wins of that aim after turning again Vietnam, 78-67, on the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok on Monday, December 15.

Robert Bolick poured 10 of his 13 factors within the fourth quarter and added 6 rebounds and 4 assists because the defending champions fought again from a 37-41 halftime deficit to comb Group A and advance on to the ultimate 4.

It was an analogous comeback win for Gilas after it climbed out of a first-quarter gap in its 83-58 drubbing of Malaysia the day prior.

These sluggish begins, although, have turn out to be a reason behind concern for head coach Norman Black, particularly with the medal rounds developing.

“Each recreation is a priority for us at this level. I feel you recognize our scenario so we’re mainly studying and making an attempt to enhance on the basketball court docket within the match,” stated Black.

The Philippines trailed by as many as 14 factors, 24-38, earlier than it chipped away at its deficit and took a 61-60 lead on the finish of the third quarter.

Led by Bolick, the Filipinos broke away as they put the shackles on the Vietnamese, who had been restricted to simply 7 factors within the fourth quarter.

Poy Erram topscored within the win with 15 factors to go together with 5 rebounds, Matthew Wright provided 14 factors, whereas Jamie Malonzo added a near-double-double of 10 factors and eight rebounds.

Huynh Phu Vinh Nguyen and Dang Khoa Tran had 19 factors apiece within the loss that dropped Vietnam to 0-2.

“It was a hard-earned win. It was a really tough recreation for us. Give credit score to the Vietnam staff for taking part in in addition to they did,” stated Black. “We struggled defensively once more at this time, so it’s one thing we’ve got to attempt to repair the subsequent couple of days in follow.”

Having barely any follow collectively as their lineup underwent a number of variations as a result of hosts’ flip-flopping on eligibility guidelines, the Filipinos can be getting ample time to work on their cohesion as they play within the semifinals on Thursday, December 18, on the identical venue.

Gilas will face the quarterfinal winner between Vietnam and the Group B second placer.

“I’m simply trying ahead to the subsequent couple of days as a result of we get an opportunity to follow and we are able to work on among the issues that we’ve been scuffling with right here to this point,” stated Black. – Rappler.com