Gilas Pilipinas survives Thailand scare to open SEA Games basketball

The Philippines survived a spirited challenge from a game Thailand side, 81-74, to open the Southeast Asian Games basketball tournament on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Gilas Pilipinas, composed of cadets including PBA rookies and top young stars, was in a nip-and-tuck affair against a Thailand side led by Thai-American star Tyler Lamb for most of the game, leading by just a point, 60-59, entering the fourth period.

Lamb's three-pointer tied the game at 62-all with less than eight minutes left in the game. Thailand took the lead, 66-64, a few moments later after a fastbreak layup.

Thailand was still up, 68-67, when Ray Parks drew Lamb's fifth and final foul on a hustle play, giving Gilas a big edge with less than five minutes left in the game. Parks scored both free throws off the loose ball foul to give Gilas back the lead momentarily, but Thailand answered back with a three-pointer.

Troy Rosario responded with an inside basket to spark an 8-0 run to give Gilas a 77-71 advantage.

Thailand scored on three of four free throws to go back to within three points, before Christian Standhardinger hit a layup to give Gilas a bit more breathing room, 79-74, with 41 seconds remaining.

Rosario led Gilas with 16 points, while Standhardinger and Parks chipped in 15 and 14, respectively. --JST, GMA News