Gilas survives Indonesia to seal shot at SEA Games gold

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas averted disaster and escaped Indonesia, 71-68, in their Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball semifinal clash Thursday at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Philippines thus punched a ticket to the gold medal match of the event.

But Thursday’s victory did not come easy.

The Nationals led by as much as 16 points, 70-54, with 3:57 remaining after a fallaway jumper by Thirdy Ravena.

But Indonesia went down swinging, slowly clawing out of the hole and slicing the deficit to just two, 68-70, with 22.1 seconds left after a flagrant foul by Robert Bolick.

Indonesia, however, could not capitalize on the extra possession as Gilas forced a shot clock violation.

Bolick then had the chance to ice the game after being fouled with 7.3 seconds to go. He missed the first and made the second to set the final score.

The Indonesians had one last chance to tie things up, but they could not hoist up a shot in time.

Ravena spearheaded the Philippines with 16 markers and six boards, along with two dimes. Jamie Malonzo followed suit with 13, while Ray Parks had 12.

Derrick Xzavierro powered Indonesia with 22 points and 15 rebounds in the losing effort. Abraham Grahita and Dame Diagne had 13 each.

Gilas will now take on the winner of the semifinal match between Malaysia and Thailand.

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