REGAINING the most cherished medal by Filipinos was certainly worth the blood, sweat and tears of Gilas Pilipinas as the curtains fell on the 32nd Southeast Asian Games yesterday
Foremost among those elated no end by the nationals’ dramatic return as kings of regular basketball in the region was Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio.
“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas congratulates our Gilas Pilipinas Men and Women for winning gold and silver in 5-on-5 and two silvers in 3í—3 basketball of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games,” Panlilio said in a statement last Tuesday night.
“Gilas showed that the pride of fighting for our country is stronger than any other motivation.”
Panlilio spoke after the Filipino cagers clobbered a suddenly sluggish Cambodia side bolstered by a slew of American naturalized players 80-69 at the Morodok Techo Elephant Hall 2 in Phnom Penh.
The cage triumph marked the Philippines’ 19th SEA Games in men’s basketball since 1977.
It was twice redemption for the wards of coach Chot Reyes in Cambodia.
Gilas came off an 84-76 triumph over erstwhile defending champion Indonesia, which frustrated the Philippine five in Hanoi last year, last Monday in their semifinals clash, while Cambodia trounced Thailand 76-66 also in the semis.
The Thais downed the Indonesians 83-69 to bag the bronze medal.
The first-time host dealt Gilas a numbing 69-78 loss when they first met in the group stage seven days ago.
Panlilio lauded Gilas’ resolve in the tilt marred by extreme heat and unfavorable playing conditions.
“They played through substandard conditions in the court under the sweltering heat and overcame bumps and bruises to make us all proud,” he said.
“This is a reminder to our country and the Southeast Asian region that upholding the values of fair play, sportsmanship, and love for country trumps all.”
Reyes also got a personal payback on Cambodia counterpart Harry Savaya after he called a late timeout in the eliminations win and did the “night, night” gesture.
In the end, Reyes had the last laugh.
“Sarap sana mag-timeout noong huli, ‘di ba?” Reyes posed in jest. “Kung bastos sila, tayo hindi. We always talk about playing the game the right way.
“Wala. Ganoon talaga. It’s an emotion. It’s happiness. Relief for a job well done. I’m just happy for the guys. For the POC, PSC, and SBP especially. I’m happy for the Filipino people.”
