'What happened?': Reactions to Gilas' SEA Games loss to Cambodia

In a rare upset, world no. 157 Cambodia toppled no. 40 Philippines, 79-68, in Thursday's preliminary game in the men's basketball event of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh.

But for this edition of the biennial meet, Cambodia fielded a roster reinforced by multiple naturalized players for the event.

As the Gilas Pilipinas national team fell to the locals, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan could not help but ask the basketball body: What happened?

"What a disgraceful game for Gilas. An ignominious defeat which will be etched deeply in infamy. SBP - what happened?" Pangilinan, popularly known as MVP, said in a tweet after the game.

What a disgraceful game for Gilas. An ignominious defeat which will be etched deeply in infamy. SBP - what happened?

— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) May 11, 2023

Former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala also questioned the reported issues in the hosting of Cambodia, including the rules laid before the tournament.

"Our sports officials should not have agreed to this naturalization rule in Cambodia. Total mockery and disrespect of the spirit of the SEA Games," Eala said.

"Plus the conditions of facilities should have been up to international standards. How can we play under these circumstances! #anyare," he wrote in a tweet.

Our sports officials should not have agreed to this naturalization rule in Cambodia. Total mockery and disrespect of the spirit of the SEA Games. Plus the conditions of facilities should have been up to international standards. How can we play under these circumstances! #anyare

— Noli Eala (@NoliEala) May 11, 2023

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu, meanwhile, reacted to certain events of the game, particularly the Cambodia coach's decision to call a late game timeout and his in-game gestures.

"Man who the heck is this Cambodia basketball team coach? Making that night night sleeping gesture? The arrogance," Tiu said.

"And then falling (sic) a time out up by 10 with 20 seconds. Classless. What you trying to do? Not used to winning I guess."

Man who the heck is this Cambodia basketball team coach? Making that night night sleeping gesture? The arrogance. And then falling a time out up by 10 with 20 seconds. Classless. What you trying to do? Not used to winning I guess.

— Charles Tiu (@charlestiu) May 11, 2023

For Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, the loss was a learning experience for the squad.

"This is something we can learn from. We move on to the next game, then we prepare for the knockout semifinals."

Gilas will face Singapore in their next match on Saturday.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News