Gilas barely avoids SEA Games upset in semis win over Indonesia
Alta Sports3 months ago · 330 views
Photo: Philippine Olympic Committee
By Joel Reyes
Gilas Pilipinas barged into the finals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball competitions, recording a nerve-wracking 71-68 victory over Indonesia on Thursday at Nimibutr Stadium.
The victory didn’t come easy for the Filipinos, who survived a late rally from the Indos. Gilas saw their double-digit lead whittled down to two in the final minute after Bobby Ray Parks Jr. was called for a flagrant foul with 22.1 seconds left.
Gilas got a huge break, though, as Indonesia was called for a shot clock violation in the ensuing play.
The Indonesians had an opportunity to force overtime after Robert Bolick split his charities with 7.3 seconds left, but they were unable to launch a shot attempt before the buzzer sounded.
Gilas got off to a horrible start in this contest, trailing 15-27 after the first quarter. Gilas launched a furious fightback in the second quarter, finishing the period on an 18-7 run to cut the Indonesians’ lead to just one point at the half.
Gilas took control of the contest in the third quarter, starting the second half on a 7-0 blast to grab a 40-34 lead.
Coach Norman Black’s men stretched their lead to as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter before settling for a three-point victory in the end.
Jamie Malonzo and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. starred for Gilas, who will next face the winner of the semifinal clash between Thailand and Malaysia in the gold medal match on Friday, December 19.
The Filipinos will aim to win back-to-back golds in this event.
—JMS, Alta Sports
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