In a stunning display of national pride and sporting excellence, the Philippines achieved a historic double victory at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. Both the Gilas Pilipinas men's and women's basketball teams captured the gold medal, defeating host nation Thailand in their respective championship matches on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Gilas Men's Epic Comeback Seals 20th Gold
The men's final at Bangkok's Nimibutr Stadium was a heart-stopping thriller. Gilas Pilipinas successfully defended their SEA Games title with a nail-biting 70-64 victory. The win did not come easy, as the national squad had to claw its way back from a daunting 13-point deficit against a determined Thai team.
Jamie Malonzo emerged as the hero of the night, putting up a monstrous stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, five steals, and three assists. His all-around effort fueled the Philippine comeback. Veteran gunner Matthew Wright provided crucial outside fire, sinking three triples on his way to 14 points. Robert Bolick also contributed significantly with 10 points to help secure the win.
For the silver medalist Thailand, Emmanuel Chinedu Ejesu and Chanatip Jakrawan led the charge, each scoring 13 points in a valiant effort on their home court.
Women's Team Edges Thailand in Tight Contest
In a separate but equally intense championship game at the same venue, the Philippine women's basketball team carved out a hard-fought 73-70 win over their Thai counterparts. The match was a back-and-forth affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
The victory was powered by the dominant duo of Kacey Dela Rosa and Afril Bernardino. Dela Rosa, a two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player from Ateneo de Manila University, delivered a double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds, adding three steals and a block. Bernardino was equally impressive, leading all scorers with 19 markers while also grabbing 12 boards and three steals.
A Golden Night for Philippine Basketball
This double championship triumph marks a significant milestone for Philippine basketball in the regional arena. The men's team's victory represents their 20th gold medal in the history of the biennial SEA Games, cementing their long-standing dominance in the sport. For the women's team, the win underscores their rising prowess and competitive spirit.
The successful defense of the titles against a host nation known for its passionate home-court advantage makes the achievement even sweeter. These victories not only bring home the gold but also reinforce the Philippines' position as a basketball powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
