PHNOM PENH—The Philippines completed its road to redemption with an 80-69 victory over a thoroughly shackled Cambodian team of naturalized players to regain the basketball throne in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Elephant Hall 2 of the Morodok Techno National Stadium here on Tuesday.
A day after ending the reign of Indonesia, the Filipino team known as Gilas Pilipinas, hurdled the final obstacle in its bid to reclaim its seat at the high table with a pesky defense that stopped the Cambodians’ usually high-octane offense to a screeching halt.
Their solid defensive effort was in full display in the second quarter, where they scored 23 while limiting the hosts to just 11 to grab a 44-33 halftime lead.
“We kept this team of what, five, six American imports to below 70 points, that is great defense, man,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes, who himself got his vindication with the win, after earning the ire of Filipino fans back home when the team lost the basketball gold to Indonesia during last year’s games.
Justin Brownlee, who has learned to adapt to the humid conditions and slippery flooring, starred for the second straight game for the Filipinos as he hit 23 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists.
He had more help, this time though, from Chris Newsome (16), Marcio Lassiter (10), Christian Standhardinger (9), Brandor Rosser (9) and CJ Perez (9), whose triple, followed by Brownlee’s own trey, brought back full control to Gilas at 70-59, when the Cambodians threatened to within 59-64.
“A lot of people doubted this team the first time we lost. But the first words I told them when we lost was this was the one we could afford. And I thought that was the lost that we needed,” said Reyes, in firing up his wards after a 79-68 spanking at the hands of the hosts in the elims.
“Win or lose, this was going to be my last SEA Games, I promised I’ll never coach in the SEA Games anymore. At least, I will go out with a gold medal,” added Reyes, who can now focus on his FIBA World Cup preparations for Gilas.
Brandon Peterson led the hosts with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Morgan had 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting. But Cambodia, which played just seven cagers in the game, was dragged by the 4-of-14 shooting of Darrin Dorsey.
The Cambodians, who haven’t medalled in the history of SEAG basketball, settled for the silver, with Thailand taking the bronze after a 76-66 mauling of dethroned champion Indonesia in the other semifinal game.