BANGKOK, Thailand — Joseph Sedurifa nailed the game-winning two-pointer to lift Gilas Pilipinas men’s past pesky Malaysia, 21-19, for a spot in the semifinals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday at the Nimibutr Stadium here.
Locked at 19-all after the Malaysians made a run from a four-point deficit midway in the match, Sedurifa let loose the dagger outside shot with 1:19 left for Gilas’ second win in as many outings in Group B.
Gilas aims for a pool sweep against Laos today at 12 p.m. (Manila time).
Naturalized big man Ange Kouame bullied his way to eight points while Joseph Eriobu and John Rey Pasaol added five markers each.
Sedurifa finished with three points, including the biggest shot of the match.
Gilas beat Vietnam, 21-15, in the first game.
Despite the win, head coach Patrick Fran reminded his team to keep on pushing to complete their redemption bid following a runner-up finish in Cambodia two years ago.
“A 2-0 does not mean anything. We have to continue playing and with the same kind of defense especially I think Vietnam made three (two-pointers). In this game, I think Malaysia made four. We can’t afford that,” Fran said.
“We have to defend the two, that’s how 3x3 basketball works. The faster Ange could adjust and the rest of the guys, the better for the team.”
Gilas went up, 16-12, after a Kouame layup with under three minutes remaining. The Malaysians fought back and briefly held a one-point lead before Gilas regained control, 19-17.
A two-pointer by Ting Chung Hong knotted the game at 19 before Sedurifa rose to the occasion.
Citing security and safety reasons due to the ongoing border clash between the military forces of Thailand and Cambodia, the Cambodians withdrew participation in the Games on Wednesday.