The Philippines men's basketball team has ended its 2023 Southeast Asian Games redemption quest in triumph after overcoming hosts Cambodia 80-69 in a thrilling final at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh on Tuesday (16 May). The Gilas' win marks a return to the top after their grip on the Southeast Asian Games basketball title was surprisingly broken by Indonesia last year. The loss brought about an end to a winning streak that dated back to 1991. After a tight first quarter, which saw the hosts take the lead by one, the Philippines burst into action in the second, outscoring Cambodia 23-11 to secure a 44-33 lead at half-time. From there, the Filipinos were able to retain their advantage staving off attempts by the home side to try and mount a comeback in the third and fourth quarters buoyed by a packed-out stadium. Justin Brownlee (197-F-1988, college: St.John's), who came up clutch in yesterday's semi-final, once more shone for his side putting up 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists. "I'm just so excited. It feels great right now," Brownlee told Olympics.com "Cambodia were a really tough team. I mean really, really tough. But again, after that earlier loss, we showed what this team is about. We stuck together and kept to the plan. I'm so proud for the team and of course for the Philippines." He was joined in double figures by Chris Newsome (187-G-1990, college: Georgetown, KY) who finished with 16 points and Marcio Lassiter (190-G/F-1987, college: CS Fullerton) with 10. Speaking to Olympics.com after, Philippines head coach Chot Reyes said: "There were those who doubted this team after that first defeat to Cambodia. But I can tell you in the dugout, what I told the players was that it was a defeat that was required. We needed that defeat to bring that fire. "I always had confidence in this team. They're united and they stuck together. You can see the results, they speak for themselves," he continued. "I'm just so proud of what we've done. We came here for the gold medal and we've done it." With the regional title back in their hands the Gilas have been handed an important boost ahead of this year's 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup where the first qualification berths for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be on the line. Earlier in the day, Thailand defeated defending champions Indonesia to win bronze.
Courtesy of: olympics.com