MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas finished the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games basketball tournament in an unblemished fashion and gave the country another gold medal after dominating Thailand, 115-81 on Tuesday December 10, 2019 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After the semis win versus Indonesia, Team Captain LA Tenorio pleaded to the entire Gilas Pilipinas that they must start strong in the finals against Thailand.
With Thai-American and ABL superstar Tyler Lamb on its roster, Team Thailand will not be an easy assignment. So, Coach Tim Cone started tall early with June Mar Fajardo and Christian Standhardinger.
Despite the height advantage, Gilas Pilipinas still started slow and gave a handful of fouls too early in the game that paved the way for the Thais to post a lead.
The nationals finally got along in both offensive and defensive ends that gave them their first two-digit advantage with over 4 minutes remaining in the opening salvo.
Thailand’s defense was tough and the Philippines really had a hard time in ramping up its lead. Nevertheless, Gilas was up after the opener, 25-17.
Team Pilipinas went for a terrific 2nd quarter start as the PBA stars began to click from the outside.
After the back-to-back three pointers from the Philippines, Gilas stagnated from scoring and the margin abruptly went down to just 5.
Gunners Matthew Wright and Marcio Lassiter had been marked and weren’t able to hit a single three point shot.
Stanley Pringle’s re-insertion ignited the entire squad offensively and ended the half with a slim 48-39 lead.
June Mar Fajardo took charge in the 3rd period. The SMB center grabbed offensive boards and converted them into points to start Gilas’ scoring blitz.
Along with Fajardo’s domination, Matthew Wright and Chris Ross erupted from the three point territory.
At the last 2 minutes of the third, Marcio Lassiter finally joined the three point shooting spree for a 17-0 run and 88-54 advantage.
Even though Gilas had a 30 plus point lead, Thailand’s Tyler Lamb didn’t give up easily and still poured in more numbers with the hope of upsetting the Philippines.
With 5 more minutes remaining in the finals, Team Pilipinas hit the century mark once again which the nationals failed to do so in the semis.
At the 2-minute warning, Thailand’s Coach Chris Eleo had conceded to his counterpart Coach Tim Cone by pulling out his prized ward, Tyler Lamb.
On the Gilas side, Coach Cone retained his shooters on the floor to show the Philippines’ dominance until the final horn.
With the 115-81 win, the Philippines captured its 18th Gold Medal in the SEA Games Men’s basketball event.
Congratulations Gilas Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
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| Gilas Pilipinas captured another gold in SEA Games Men’s basketball tournament after dismantling Thailand in the finals. Credit: Twitter/ESPN5 |
After the semis win versus Indonesia, Team Captain LA Tenorio pleaded to the entire Gilas Pilipinas that they must start strong in the finals against Thailand.
With Thai-American and ABL superstar Tyler Lamb on its roster, Team Thailand will not be an easy assignment. So, Coach Tim Cone started tall early with June Mar Fajardo and Christian Standhardinger.
Despite the height advantage, Gilas Pilipinas still started slow and gave a handful of fouls too early in the game that paved the way for the Thais to post a lead.
The nationals finally got along in both offensive and defensive ends that gave them their first two-digit advantage with over 4 minutes remaining in the opening salvo.
Thailand’s defense was tough and the Philippines really had a hard time in ramping up its lead. Nevertheless, Gilas was up after the opener, 25-17.
Team Pilipinas went for a terrific 2nd quarter start as the PBA stars began to click from the outside.
After the back-to-back three pointers from the Philippines, Gilas stagnated from scoring and the margin abruptly went down to just 5.
Gunners Matthew Wright and Marcio Lassiter had been marked and weren’t able to hit a single three point shot.
Stanley Pringle’s re-insertion ignited the entire squad offensively and ended the half with a slim 48-39 lead.
June Mar Fajardo took charge in the 3rd period. The SMB center grabbed offensive boards and converted them into points to start Gilas’ scoring blitz.
Along with Fajardo’s domination, Matthew Wright and Chris Ross erupted from the three point territory.
At the last 2 minutes of the third, Marcio Lassiter finally joined the three point shooting spree for a 17-0 run and 88-54 advantage.
Even though Gilas had a 30 plus point lead, Thailand’s Tyler Lamb didn’t give up easily and still poured in more numbers with the hope of upsetting the Philippines.
With 5 more minutes remaining in the finals, Team Pilipinas hit the century mark once again which the nationals failed to do so in the semis.
At the 2-minute warning, Thailand’s Coach Chris Eleo had conceded to his counterpart Coach Tim Cone by pulling out his prized ward, Tyler Lamb.
On the Gilas side, Coach Cone retained his shooters on the floor to show the Philippines’ dominance until the final horn.
With the 115-81 win, the Philippines captured its 18th Gold Medal in the SEA Games Men’s basketball event.
Congratulations Gilas Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
