![](Gilas Pilipinas men and women teams off to championship round" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="720" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/bucket_phnewlook/2023/05/20c75a0d-gilas-sea-games-3x3-1.jpg)
MANILA, Philippines – The two teams of Gilas Pilipinas are on their way to the finals after an outstanding performance during the 3×3 basketball match at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Sunday, May 7.
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| Gilas Pilipinas men and women teams off to championship round. Photo Courtesy: One Sports |
The Gilas Pilipinas women’s team won against host country Cambodia in an intense game that ended with a 21-20 score. Their victory secured them a spot in the final round to win the gold medal against the Indonesian team. Late in the game, Afril Bernardino made a crucial running shot to seal the victory. Joining her on the team were Jack Animam, Janine Pontejos, and Mikka Cacho.
Women’s coach Pat Aquino already admits that bagging the gold won’t be easy, but the team is prepared and ready. She said, “It’s going to be tough. We are going to play our best. I told the girls to just try your best. We don’t have to worry who we are facing. We have to think about what we can do better.”
Meanwhile, the Gilas Pilipinas men’s team also won the semi-finals as they defeated Thailand, 21-19. The game-winning shot came from a two-pointer made by Joseph Sedurifa. With him on the court were Almond Vosotros, Lervin Flores, and Joseph Eriobu. The team is now up for the gold medal in the final round against Cambodia in the championship round.
Earlier, men’s 3×3 coach Lester Del Rosario said the team is confident and more than ready. He said, “The last three days of practice have been excellent. You can see in their faces that they are ready.”
“They are all winners. We have shooters and defense,” Del Rosario added.
𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: Our 3×3 Women’s and Men’s Teams are through to the final rounds in Cambodia! 🇵🇭
The Gilas 3×3 women’s team takes a crucial win over host nation Cambodia, 21-20, to take a spot for the gold medal against Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/SdNXAlJZjP
— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) May 7, 2023
Both teams will face their opponents on the finals scheduled this afternoon, Sunday, May 7.
The Philippine Team is now on its 10th gold as of Sunday, May 7 at 1:00 p.m. Stay tuned to The Summit Express for more updates on the 32nd SEA Games.
— Sally, The Summit Express