GILAS Pilipinas achieved its objective by reclaiming the gold medal in men’s basketball at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, signaling a triumphant comeback from last year’s disappointment.

In a hard-fought match against the import-reinforced team of Cambodia, Gilas emerged victorious with an 80-69 scoreline on Tuesday, May 16, at the Morodok Techo National Stadium Elephant Hall 2 in Phnom Penh.

The turning point came during the second quarter when Gilas outscored their opponents 23-11, granting them control of the game after a closely contested opening period.

Justin Brownlee, the team’s naturalized player, redeemed himself after a lackluster performance against Cambodia in the group stage last week.

He led the charge this time, showcasing an outstanding all-around performance with a game-high 23 points, along with seven rebounds and four assists.

Brownlee, a three-time PBA Best Import and 34 years old, successfully overcame leg cramps and extreme heat, which hampered his performance and limited him to a mere 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting during Gilas’ previous 68-79 loss to Cambodia.

Contributing to the team’s success, Chris Newsome added 16 points, while Marcio Lassiter provided 12 points and five rebounds.

Together, Gilas Pilipinas displayed remarkable teamwork and determination, culminating in a resounding victory and the recapture of the coveted SEAG gold medal in the biennial meet.