THE GILAS Cadets averted what would have been a disaster of epic proportions as they escaped Thailand, 80-75, to advance to the gold-medal game in the Southeast Asian Games basketball competition last night at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.
The Gilas trailed by as many as 11 points after a sluggish start but finished strong behind reigning UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena, whose three-pointer sealed the thrilling win for the Filipinos.
Backed by a predominantly Filipino crowd, the Gilas failed to deliver in the game’s opening moments and trailed, 14-22, after one period and by 10, 43-33, at halftime.
But the Cadets came roaring back behind Troy Rosario and Almond Vosotros, who shot in six three-pointers to fuel the comeback.
Still, the Thais were only within one, 75-76, before Ravena hammered the final nail in their opponents’ coffin with a clutch triple with 16 seconds remaining.
Rosario finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds while Vosotros finished with 18. Ravena ended up with 12.
The Philippines has not lost a men’s basketball game at the Games since 1989.