Gilas Pilipinas is now just one victory away from defending its Southeast Asian Games crown after surviving a furious late rally by Indonesia for a tense 71–68 semifinal win at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok.
What appeared to be a comfortable closing stretch nearly turned into disaster. Gilas led by as many as 16 points in the final five minutes, building a 68–52 cushion before Indonesia suddenly caught fire. Behind an explosive 16–2 run, the Indonesians slashed the deficit to just two, 70–68, sending a wave of anxiety through the predominantly Filipino crowd at Nimibutr Stadium.
With seven seconds remaining, Robert Bolick calmly split his free throws to push the lead back to three. The game was ultimately decided on the defensive end, as Gilas forced Indonesia into a rushed, off-balance attempt from long range that failed to reach the rim as time expired.
The arena erupted once the final buzzer sounded, the crowd fully aware that Gilas is now one win away from retaining the gold medal it reclaimed in the 2023 SEA Games in Phnom Penh.
The Philippines will face either Malaysia or host Thailand in the championship game set for Friday night at 8:30 p.m. (Manila time).
Thirdy Ravena led the way for Gilas with 16 points, once again anchoring the team after a slow first half that saw the Filipinos trail by as many as 12. Jamie Malonzo added 13 points, while Ray Parks Jr. and Bolick chipped in 12 and 10, respectively. June Mar Fajardo Erram provided interior support with nine points.
Indonesia, the 2021 SEA Games champion, was paced by Derrick Michael Xzavierro, who delivered a dominant double-double of 22 points and 15 rebounds and nearly willed his team into the final. Abraham Grahita added 13 points, including the pressure-packed free throws that pulled Indonesia within two in the closing seconds.
Despite another uneven start, Gilas showed composure when it mattered most, leaning on timely stops and late-game poise to move within one step of another regional title.
Final score: Philippines 71, Indonesia 68.