Philstar
Nationals run roughshod over Malaysians
Defending champion Gilas Pilipinas opened its 2025 Southeast Asian Games campaign with an 83-58 victory over Malaysia.
Despite a shaky start and trailing by as many as seven points in the first quarter, Gilas Pilipinas ignited a 20-0 run to end the first half, securing a 42-26 lead at halftime.
Ray Parks Jr. led the charge with 18 points, six rebounds, and two assists, followed by Robert Bolick with 17 points, six rebounds, and two steals.
Coach Norman Black acknowledged the team's need for improvement, noting this was their first game together as a unit.
Black also expressed his gratitude for the "unbelievable" Filipino crowd, stating it felt like playing in the Philippines.
Gilas Pilipinas now holds a 1-0 record in Group A and will face Vietnam next, aiming for an outright semifinal spot.
The second and third placers in each group will advance to a crossover qualification for the remaining semifinal berths.
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