Gilas Pilipinas Women regained the Southeast Asian Games women’s basketball title on Friday (19 December) after a 73–70 victory over host nation Thailand in the final at Nimibutr National Stadium. The Philippines completed a perfect 4–0 run at the tournament to reclaim regional supremacy, earning their third gold medal in the last four editions of the biennial event. After establishing a narrow advantage in the opening half, the Filipinas were tested in the third quarter when Thailand closed the gap to three points at 55–52. The Philippines responded with a timely 10–3 run, restoring a double-digit cushion and taking a 65–55 lead late in the period. Thailand mounted a late push in the final quarter, cutting the deficit to two points with under a minute remaining to keep the contest in the balance. The Philippines answered with disciplined defence and execution in the closing stages, highlighted by a crucial block from Quinn Dela Rosa (183-F-2004) and a free throw from Chack Cabinbin that extended the lead to three points with 16.9 seconds left. Gilas then managed the final possession to close out the win and seal the championship. Thailand claimed silver, their 10th medal in the women’s basketball event, while Indonesia completed the podium after defeating Malaysia in the bronze-medal game earlier in the day.
Courtesy of: olympics.com