Photo from Fiba
MANILA, Philippines — E-Gilas Pilipinas on Sunday regained its status as the king of the Southeast Asia Conference of the Fiba ESports Open
After falling short in the finals of the previous tournament last November, the Filipinos redeemed themselves after sweeping Indonesia in a best-of-three finals series.
FIBA Southeast Asia Conference Winners! 🇵🇭🏀🎮🏆
Ggs to Team Indonesia! ✊@FIBA@officialSBPinc@PlayBookEsports #ParaSaBayan #FIBAesportsOpenIII pic.twitter.com/t1Y6Bjn76a
— Rial Polog (@PLE_Rial) April 18, 2021
So proud of this team! E-Gilas Pilipinas 🇵🇭🏀🎮🏆
Two-time FIBA SEA Regional Champions!!@FIBA@officialSBPinc@PlayBookEsports#LabanPilipinas #ParaSaBayan #FIBAesportsOpenIII pic.twitter.com/vHJsh4zXiz
— Rial Polog (@PLE_Rial) April 18, 2021
“After the last competition, the SBP saw how hungry E-Gilas was to reclaim the title. They worked hard on their game and have now regained their spot as the best in the region. Even as more competitors entered the field, E-Gilas still stood tall,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio.
“Job well done to our players Angelico Cruzin, Arnie Sison, Clark Banzon, Custer Galas, Ian Santiago, Philippe Herrero, and Rial Polog Jr., head coach is Nite Alparas, team manager Richard Brojan, and Program Director Butch Antonio.”
Angelico “Shintarou” Cruzin was named MVP and deservingly so after leading the Nationals with his hot shooting all tournament long. He also clinched his team’s 60-53 win in the finals opener when he hit a dagger triple.
E-Gilas then claimed the championship after a 44-36 victory in Game 2.
“It was clear from the results of the games that our neighbors are working very hard to reach our level. We’ll enjoy the victory now but we also know that the bigger challenge is to keep getting better and to stay on top,” Panlilio said
“E-Gilas continues to be a source of pride and joy during these tough times as well as inspiration for individuals who wish to pursue a career gaming.”
E-Gilas also beat Indonesia in the finals of the inaugural Fiba ESports Open last June.