13th straight SEA Games gold for Gilas Pilipinas

The Philippines’ Christian Standhardinger attempts a one-hander. RAPPLER PHOTO
The Philippines’ Christian Standhardinger attempts a one-hander. RAPPLER PHOTO

MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas reasserted its mastery in the Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball. It captured its 13th consecutive gold medal last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The national men’s basketball extended its reign by hacking out a wire-to-wire 115-81 domination of Thailand in the one-game finale.

Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle spearheaded Gilas Pilipinas’ strong first half before LA Tenorio and Vic Manuel put on the finishing touches in the title-clinching win.

From a seesaw battle early in the opening period, Gilas created distance behind inside conversions from Standhardinger, Pringle and June Mar Fajardo for a 25-17 edge.

The lead grew to 31-19 for the national men’s basketball team after back-to-back triples by LA Tenorio and Kiefer Ravena.

The Thais rallied back but was halted by shots from Pringle for a 48-39 halftime score.

Gilas Pilipinas went for the kill in the third period. Outside conversions from Tenorio, Matthew Wright and Chris Ross allowed them to break the game wide open at 88-54.

The host team made sure the Thais won’t have a final push. Consecutive conversions from Tenorio and Manuel increased the lead further for Gilas.

It was the 13th straight time that the national men’s basketball team has claimed the SEA Games throne.

It was also the 18th time that the national team has wore the biennial meet gold./PN

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