Gilas Pilipinas overcame last-minute roster changes and tough competition to secure the gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games, defeating Thailand 70-64 in Friday night’s final.
Coach Norman Black had to rebuild the team after naturalized players Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, and Fil-Am Remy Martin were ruled ineligible, with Robert Bolick and others stepping in as reinforcements.
Despite controversial officiating favoring the hosts, including 37 free throws for Thailand, the Nationals stayed composed and delivered a resilient performance.
Bolick hit the game-winning shot with 8.1 seconds left, celebrating with a nod to Steph Curry, while teammate Poy Erram joked about the close finish.
Black described this victory as his most meaningful due to the many challenges faced in assembling the team amid confusing eligibility rules.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 21, 2025
GILAS PILIPINAS TRIUMPHS OVER THAILAND TO CLINCH SEA GAMES GOLD DESPITE ADVERSITY
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