SINAG Pilipinas has clinched the gold medal in the 27th Southeast Asian Games after Malaysia lost to Thailand, 73-69, on Saturday at the Zayar Thiri Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
The Philippines, which beat Indonesia, 83-52, earlier in the day, was assured of its 16th gold in 17 editions of the SEA Games after Malaysia fell to a 3-2 card and Thailand improving its record to 4-1.
That made the 5-0 Filipinos unreachable for any team in the field, turning its final match in the round-robin eliminations against Malaysia into a no-bearing contest.
As things stand, Sinag Pilipinas will still claim the gold even if it loses to Malaysia on Sunday and Thailand beats host Myanmar on Monday by virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule.
The Filipino cagers beat the Thais, 100-68, on Friday.
Despite already clinching the gold, Sinag Pilipinas has vowed to go all out in their final match against Malaysia to complete a sweep of the tournament before formally receiving the mint.
“Going for the win pa rin kami,” said Sinag member Garvo Lanete.
Malaysia trailed at the half, 32-45, but made its charge in the fourth period, pulling within 69-70with two minutes left in the game. But the Thais made their free throws down the stretch to assure themselves of the win and the silver medal.
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