BANGKOK, Thailand – Gilas Pilipinas kicked off their 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball campaign with a hard-fought 92-71 victory over Malaysia on Saturday, December 14, 2025, at the Nimibutr Stadium. The Filipinos, fielding a youthful squad blending PBA veterans and collegiate standouts, shook off a sluggish first quarter to dominate the second half and secure the win in Group A.
The Malaysians stunned early, capitalizing on Gilas’ cold shooting to lead 23-18 after the first period. Coach Tim Cone’s charges responded with a 28-16 second quarter surge, fueled by improved defense and transition play, entering halftime up 46-39. The third quarter sealed the deal—a 26-14 run extended the cushion, with Malaysia unable to mount a comeback despite gritty efforts.
Justin Brownlee, the naturalized stalwart, led the charge with 18 points, while Scottie Thompson added 15 points and 8 rebounds. Young guns Kai Sotto (12 points, 10 rebounds) and CJ Perez (14 points) provided spark, showcasing the team’s depth. Malaysia’s top scorer, Wong Yi Hou, tallied 16 points in a losing cause.
Cone praised the resilience: “We started slow, but the guys adjusted and played our game. This is a good wake-up call—everyone in SEA Games is hungry.” The win sets up key matchups against Thailand and Indonesia, with Gilas eyeing a return to the podium after bronze in 2023.
This opener reaffirms Gilas’ regional pedigree, blending experience with emerging talent for a medal push. As the tournament heats up, the Philippines looks primed to reclaim gold.
Box Score Highlights:
| Player (Gilas) | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Brownlee | 18 | 7 | 4 |
| Scottie Thompson | 15 | 8 | 5 |
| CJ Perez | 14 | 4 | 3 |
| Kai Sotto | 12 | 10 | 2 |
Quarter Scores:
PHL 18-23, 46-39, 72-53, 92-71