Solving Malaysia puzzle the motivation for Gilas Pilipinas Women in silver medal win

PHNOM PENH — Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach Patrick Aquino shared that the team was motivated to avenge previous losses to Malaysia heading into their battle for the silver medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Monday.

Malaysia is the winningest country in women's hoops in the biennial meet with 13 gold medals, six bronze, and one silver while the Filipinas rank third with two golds, seven silvers, and five bronzes.

The last time the Malaysians won the gold medal was when they hosted the Games in 2017, sweeping their way to the crown with an immaculate 6-0 win-loss record, including a 60-56 victory against the Philippines.

In 2019, though, the Philippines was able to get the last laugh as the nationals swept the tournament to pluck the gold medal.

When the two teams met anew for Vietnam SEA Games last year, Malaysia tainted what was supposed to be a clean golden run for the Philippines as they defeated Gilas Women, 96-93, to end up bagging home the bronze.

One year later, Gilas Women and Malaysia crossed paths again, with both teams in contention for the silver medal in the 32nd SEA Games. But the Filipinas made sure to be on the winning end this time around as they eked out a 77-63 win with Janine Pontejos and Khate Castillo leading the way.

"Yeah, that was the motivation. From the 2017 to the 2019 loss, hopefully, we'd bounce back from this and 'yun manalo uli," Aquino said.

"Sabi ko nga this is for the country. We came here for our country, to represent our country well, we just had to finish whatever we were doing here. Sorry 'di nakuha yung gold, but happy na rin getting a silver."

("Yeah that was the motivation. From the 2018 to the 2019 loss, hopefully, we'd bounce back from this and win again.... Like I said, this is for the country. We came her for our country, to represent our country well, we just had to finish whatever we were doing here. Sorry we didn't win the gold, but still happy to get a silver.")

Although they fell short of a three-peat, Aquino said he's still satisfied with what his wards have shown.

"Sabi ko nga we came here to play basketball. I think the best results, you know, is also always welcome no matter what it is," he added.

"Giving everything all the time and never giving up, yun ang sigaw namin. Just thankful we did our best."

("Like I said, we came here to play basketball. I think the best results, you know, is also always welcome no matter what it is... Giving everythin all the time and never giving up, that's our battle cry. Just thankful we did our best.")

—JMB, GMA Integrated News