Defending SEA Games men’s basketball champion Gilas Pilipinas once again leaned on composure and veteran savvy to survive a gritty challenge from Indonesia, eking out a 71–68 win in a nerve-wracking semifinal showdown.

The PH men found themselves in an early hole, trailing by as many as 12 points in the first half against the 2021 SEA Games gold medalists who previously spoiled their title bid.

Momentum shifted when Bobby Ray Parks Jr. ignited the offense, while Jamie Malonzo provided crucial hustle plays that helped Gilas regain control.

By the fourth quarter, the Philippines appeared to have put the game away. A smooth fallaway jumper by Thirdy Ravena with 3:56 left stretched the lead to 16 points, 70–54, giving Gilas its most comfortable cushion of the night.

Indonesia, however, staged a dramatic comeback. The Indonesians rattled off 14 unanswered points in a span of three minutes, trimming the gap to just two, 70–68.

The final minute turned chaotic, highlighted by a technical and an unsportsmanlike foul that slowed the game and prolonged the final 22 seconds as tension mounted inside the arena.

Despite the momentum shift, Gilas kept its cool. The PH men dug deep on defense, denied Indonesia the equalizing basket, and held firm until the final horn to secure the narrow victory.

With the win, Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the gold medal game, where it will vie for a milestone 20th SEA Games championship on Friday against the winner of the semifinal matchup between Thailand and Malaysia.