Gilas Pilipinas completed its masterful 3×3 basketball sweep in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and clinched the gold medal with a 21-9 victory over Indonesia on Monday, December 2.
With the roaring crowd of Filipino fans who trooped the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan, Gilas Pilipinas led by CJ Perez conquered Indonesia in the lopsided finals match that took only less than 8 minutes to finish.
Perez outscored the entire Indonesia team with 10 points as the Philippines won all of its 8 games of the tournament – 6 in the preliminary round and 2 in the playoffs. Chris Newsome and Jason Perkins chalked up 4 points apiece, while Mo Tautuaa added 3 points, including the game-winning two-pointer as the crowd went wild after witnessing back-to-back gold medal victories.
The four-man team of Perez, Tautuaa, Chris Newsome, and Jason Perkins were sterling in its performance with an 8-0 record. And much to the delight of the home crowd, Perez gifted them with a merciless tomahawk jam over their Indonesian opponent, as if putting the final nail in the coffin.
Indonesia was also the Philippines’ first assignment last Sunday as Gilas won 21-17. However, the finals gave the Gilas Pilipinas an additional inspiration dominating their counterparts. Perez led the fight and had his signature moment when he threw down a vicious one-handed dunk early in the contest. The Philippines put their stamp in the game, leading by as many as 10 points, 16-6, never losing control of the momentum. The quartet composed of PBA players showed familiarity and chemistry despite playing 3×3 basketball for the first time.
“You could say that it was perfect timing that they all came together,” said national team head coach Ronnie Magasanoc as his 12-man pool dwindled in the last few weeks. “There was nobody else, just these four in the final week. Maybe everything happened for a reason, probably fate, but they made it happen.”
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio lauded the team for their efforts. “The victory of Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 not only stamps our class as still the kings of basketball in the region but also shows that we’re moving in the right direction in the half-court game, said Panlilio in a statement.
“The SBP congratulates Chris Newsome, Jason Perkins, CJ Perez, and Moala Tautuaa for winning the gold and thanks them for their sacrifices in the preparation for the SEA Games.This dominant run would not have been possible without the leadership of PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and the help of the PBA Board of Governors. They opened their rosters to give coach Ronnie Magsanoc the free hand to form the strongest unit possible and we saw the results,” he added. “Their success only strengthens the point that great synergy between the SBP and PBA is beneficial for everyone involved and, more importantly, the best course of action for Philippine basketball as a whole” ended Panlilio.
With additional reports from tv5.espn.com, Yoyo Sarmenta
Photo and Video Sources: @carljun_canonoy, tiebreakertimes.com.ph, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas – SBP, @RapplerSports, @JDomondon06
