Gilas Pilipinas beats Indonesia, nears SEA Games gold

BANGKOK, Thailand — Gilas Pilipinas booked a return trip to the men’s basketball gold medal game at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand after surviving Indonesia, 71-68, in Thursday afternoon’s 5-on-5 semifinal at Nimibutr Stadium.

The Philippines will defend its SEA Games title on Friday, aiming for its 20th gold medal in the regional meet against the winner of the other semifinal between Thailand and Malaysia.

The men’s semifinal turned into a back-and-forth contest for most of the game before Gilas created separation in the fourth quarter.

Thirdy Ravena delivered the Philippines’ biggest lead of the afternoon when his fallaway jumper at the 3:56 mark made it 70-54, a 16-point cushion.

Indonesia answered with a 14-0 run over the next three minutes to pull within 68-70 and threaten to force overtime.

Gilas held on by tightening its defense down the stretch, preventing Indonesia from extending the rally and closing out the three-point win.

On the women’s side, Gilas Pilipinas Women also advanced to the SEA Games gold medal match after defeating Indonesia, 66-55, in Thursday afternoon’s 5-on-5 contest at Nimibutr Stadium.

The victory moved the Philippines a step closer to a third SEA Games gold in women’s basketball in the biennial meet.

Gilas Women can clinch the title in Friday’s championship game, which will be the fourth SEA Games women’s final appearance in Philippine history.