Robert Bolick on Friday led Gilas Pilipinas in a 70-64 victory over host nation Thailand to capture the men’s basketball gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, where he described the atmosphere as very hostile and delivered pointed postgame remarks about the home crowd.
Gilas Pilipinas players and coaches celebrated on the court after the final buzzer as Filipino supporters in the stands waved flags and cheered, while Thai fans filed out of the venue following the six-point defeat.
Officials organized an awards ceremony at center court, where tournament organizers presented the gold medals to the Philippine team, the silver medals to Thailand and the bronze medals to the third-place finisher.
Coaches and team staff of Gilas Pilipinas posed for photos with players during the medal rites, while team members held up the Philippine flag and the SEA Games championship trophy.
Gilas Pilipinas players left the court in high spirits as they returned to the locker room, where they continued their celebration after securing the men’s basketball crown.
The Philippine men’s basketball team added the latest gold medal to the country’s overall SEA Games tally as event organizers closed the basketball competition at Nimibutr Stadium for this edition of the regional meet.