Joseph Sedurifa delivered a clutch performance as Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 men edged Malaysia, 21-19, Wednesday at the Nimbutir Stadium in Bangkok to secure a semifinal berth in the men’s 3×3 basketball event of the 33rd SEA Games. Sedurifa’s game-winning two-pointer with 1:19 left preserved the team’s unblemished record in Pool B.

The victory sets up a crucial showdown against Laos on Thursday at 11 a.m. (local time) that could determine the top spot in the group. The team, coached by Patrick Fran, is building momentum after their silver-medal run at the 2023 SEA Games in Phnom Penh.

Sedurifa and Kouame lead Gilas in thrilling win

Naturalized big man Ange Kouame powered the squad with eight points, while Joseph Eriobu and John Rey Pasaol contributed five each. Sedurifa added three points, including the decisive basket that sealed the victory. The Filipinos had to withstand a late Malaysian rally, with Ting Chung Hong tying the score at 19-all before Sedurifa struck.

“2-0 does not mean anything. We have to continue playing and maintain our defense,” Fran said. “We have to defend the two-pointers. The faster Ange and the rest of the guys adjust, the better for the team.” The win highlighted both the team’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure in tightly contested 3×3 play.

Road to the semifinals and medal aspirations

Earlier, Kouame’s layup gave Gilas a 16-12 lead with under three minutes remaining, but Malaysia refused to fold, forcing a tense finish. With the victory, the team now eyes the semifinals and a shot at gold, maintaining its quest to improve upon the silver medal they captured in Phnom Penh two years ago.

Security concerns led to Cambodia’s withdrawal from the competition Wednesday, altering the field but not diminishing the challenge for the Filipino squad. Gilas 3×3 men remain focused on defending their region’s honor and aiming for a championship finish.