Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes gets a victory ride as the Philippines defeats host Cambodia to win the men’s basketball gold at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh on Tuesday. REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines—Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez lauded the Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team on Wednesday for reclaiming the gold medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Gilas beat host Cambodia, 80-69, in the finals behind Justin Brownlee’s game-high 23 points.
“It is truly inspiring to see the SEA Games basketball crown return to the Philippines. I commend and congratulate not only the players of Gilas Pilipinas but also the entire coaching staff and all those who contributed to this thrilling triumph,” Romualdez said.
“You have once again brought pride to your country! May you continue to be a source of inspiration and profound encouragement to the Filipino people, particularly our youth, as they persevere against all odds.”
The Philippines lost the basketball crown to Indonesia last year in Hanoi, Vietnam.
“Despite an initial setback against Cambodia in the early stages of the SEA Games, the relentless determination of the Gilas Pilipinas team enabled us to reclaim the championship trophy. It exemplifies the indomitable Filipino spirit and resilience from which we can all draw inspiration,” Romualdez said.
“Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to Gilas Pilipinas. May this mark the beginning of a new era of triumph that will endure for decades to come.”