Gilas men bite their gold medal after ruling the men’s basketball 3×3 in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas fulfilled what was already deemed inevitable right from the start.
Simply bigger and head and shoulders better than the rest, the Philippines steamrolled its way to the inaugural gold medal in 3×3 men’s basketball of the 30th Southeast Asian Games Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Gilas made it look easy, completing an eight-game sweep after overpowering Indonesia, 21-9.
But for Jason Perkins, the team’s top performer throughout the tournament, the road to the title wasn’t as smooth as it seemed.
“It wasn’t really that easy. It’s a new game and all the guards here are really talented and they can really shoot the ball,” Perkins said.
But Perkins sure made it appear effortless. The Phoenix Fuel Masters star in the PBA was automatic in the shaded area as he and fellow big man Mo Tautuaa dominated the paint.
The cat-quick Chris Newsome, who made his first national team stint, also had his moments.
“It’s an honor. It’s really surreal and I’m just trying to enjoy the moment,” Perkins said.
Gilas’ dominant performance came just shortly after the country’s women’s team also clinched the gold after holding off Thailand, 17-13.
CJ Perez saved his best for last with 10 points, including the highlight of the competition where he soared over a hapless Indonesian defender for the baseline dunk.
