MANILA, Philippines – The Gilas Cadets improved to an undefeated 4-0 and will make the finals of the 2016 SEABA Cup after defeating host country Thailand, 66-65, on Thursday, May 26.
It was the closest game of the tourney so far for the Philippines, which fought tooth and nail against Thailand for 4 quarters before pulling through with the win at the end of the game.
Since both teams finished the elimination round with the top two records, the Philippines and Thailand will face again on Saturday, May 28, for the championship. Both countries have also already earned berths to the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge in Iran in September.
A 3-pointer by Mike Tolomia tied the game at 63 with 1:15 to go and that was followed by a 3-ball by Kevin Ferrer, who put Gilas ahead for good with 1:02 left.
Thailand had a chance to win by stealing the ball with a little over a second to go but Ananti’s hail mary missed, leading to the Philippines win.
Troy Rosario had 20 points to lead the Cadets while Mac Belo scored 18 and pulled down 7 rebounds.
The Philippines shot just 25% from the field, including 3-of-37 from downtown. – Rappler.com