SEA Games 2023 men's basketball: Gilas Pilipinas open with 94-49 win over Malaysia

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser

The Philippines men's basketball team successfully launched their quest for Southeast Asian Games redemption with a 94-49 opening rout over Malaysia at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, on Tuesday (9 May). Despite being without heavyweights Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto, the Filipinos flourished from tip-off breezing to 33-12 at the end of the first period. From there, they never looked back extending the scoreline out to 58-22 at halftime, creating an unassailable lead that Malaysia couldn't dent. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser (201-F-1994, college: UC Riverside) finished with 15 points and five rebounds with the recently naturalised Justin Brownlee (197-F-1988, college: St.John's) contributing 11 points, four rebounds and two steals in limited minutes. Collegiate star Michael Philips also impressed with nine points, 15 rebounds, five steals and two blocks to seal the 45-point goal win. "It was a good start but we're just taking it one match at a time," Philippines captain Calvin John Oftana (195-F-1996) said to Olympics.com in an exclusive post-match. "The team is getting better, we just need a few games." The Filipinos' 33-year-long hold over hoops in the region ended at the last edition of the Games in 2021 after Indonesia produced a stunning upset in the final to claim the men's basketball gold. When asked if the team anticipate any further upsets from their regional rivals Oftana held firm: "No, we expect nothing of that. We are just gonna win." The Gilas Pilipinas will be back in action on Thursday 11 May for their second preliminary round game against Cambodia, which tips off at 17:00 (ICT).
Courtesy of: olympics.com

Tags : BRANDON GANUELAS-ROSSER, NLEX ROAD WARRIORS, FILIPINO BASKETBALL