Gilas Pilipinas overcomes Thailand, retains SEA Games gold in men's basketball

Gilas Pilipinas remained the kings of basketball in Southeast Asia after defeating host country Thailand, 70–64, in the gold medal match of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball finals on Friday.

The Thais built an early 32–19 lead in the first half before the Philippines trimmed the deficit to nine, 38–29, by halftime.

Gilas then opened the second half with a 12–3 run to tie the game at 41, and from there, the Philippines continued to assert its dominance over the host country.

In the end, Robert Bolick’s free throws sealed the country’s 20th overall SEA Games gold medal in men’s basketball.

Jamie Malonzo led the Philippines with 17 points and 12 rebounds, along with five steals and three assists, while Matthew Wright added 14 points, highlighted by three three-pointers. Bolick finished with 10 points.

For Thailand, Emmanuel Ejesu and Chanatip Jakrawan scored 13 points apiece.

The victory served as a fitting conclusion for the Philippine team, which underwent four lineup revisions due to changes in eligibility rules, capped by a final adjustment when Allen Liwag was replaced by Poy Erram because of injury.

Earlier in the day, the Gilas Pilipinas Women also captured the gold medal after edging Thailand, 73–70.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News