Gilas Cadets clinch title, hosts Singapore reach SEA Games podium

SINGAPORE (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - The Philippines are celebrating another title triumph in men's basketball after capping an unbeaten run at the 28th SEA Games in Singapore with a 72-64 triumph over Indonesia.

The Gilas Cadets, who only recently prevailed in the SEABA Championship ahead of Malaysia and Singapore, won all five of their games to reach the top of the podium for the 18th time at the SEA Games, an Olympic style sports event.

Tab Baldwin's side defeated the Indonesians in their opener and followed that up with victories over Malaysia and Timor-Leste.

In their Semi-Final, Gilas edged Thailand, 80-75.

Singapore, who also hosted the SEABA Championship, entered the SEA Games with high hopes but they came up short of the Final after falling to surprise package Indonesia, 87-74, in their semi.

They rebounded with a 54-49 win over Thailand but their failure to reach the title game will sting for some time.

"The final was our aim and it's a huge hit for us because we've been training for this for a year and it didn't work out," Singapore coach Neo Beng Siang said.

As a team we didn't play well. - Neo Beng Siang

"It's extremely disappointing for us as for some of my seniors, it's their last few years playing, it's their last SEA Games and I really wanted to win it for them."

It's all good for the Philippines, though, who had a young squad that did have one very experienced senior team player, Marcus Douthit.

"These guys may be young but they sure played with a lot of heart," Douthit said.

"It was something Philippines basketball needed, just to know that these guys are the future and are already winners.

"Most of these guys are not even professional yet so to me, this is the start of something special and hopefully, they will keep improving and carry it on through their career."

One certainty is that life as the top coach in the Philippines program could not have gotten off to a better start for Baldwin.

"I love Philippine basketball and am so honored to be part of it and relieved we will take a gold medal home," he said.

This was not an easy tournament. - Baldwin

"And we need to review our program because the rest of Southeast Asia is closing the gap."

Mac Belo, who had to cope with a sprained ankle, had 22 points in just 17 minutes for Gilas in the title game.

Another up-and-coming star in the program, Kiefer Ravena, overcame a hip problem to contribute 12 points, three assists and five rebounds and also come up with four steals.

"Belo played with a sprained ankle, Ravena's hip was hurting and Douthit also had a swollen left knee.

"Despite the injuries, Belo had a great time and all three played courageously and did what was required of them."

Troy Rosario also took advantage of his playing time by scoring 11 points and collecting five boards.

Baldwin will take a more experienced team to the FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China (23 September-3 October).

The SEA Games were disappointing for Malaysia's men's team, who came up short of the Semi-Finals.

The Malaysian women, however, captured the title.

FIBA