MANILA, Philippines – Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chair emeritus and Gilas Pilipinas patron Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) couldn’t hide his disappointment over Gilas Pilipinas’ loss to Cambodia in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Thursday, May 11.

MVP disappointed over Gilas loss to Cambodia
MVP disappointed over Gilas loss to Cambodia | Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN

On Twitter, Pangilinan tweeted his dismay over the result of the game, calling it “disgraceful.” He tweeted, “What a disgraceful game for Gilas. An ignominious defeat which will be etched deeply in infamy. SBP – what happened?”



Gilas Pilipinas lost against Cambodia by a huge difference, 79-68, in the highly-anticipated men’s basketball game at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh. Many were puzzled over Justin Brownlee’s underperformance and the other players missed shots.

Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes explained that the venue was too hot and Brownlee was dehydrated. He added that the team thought they could bounce back, but unfortunately, it was too late in the game.

He said, “I thought it was just a terrible first half for us because you saw what happened.”

“Brownlee couldn’t move, he was really dehydrated. The heat really got to him. Later on, he was better, but by then he was cramping already because he had lost lots of fluid,” he added.

Brownlee was able to score 10 points, while Christian Standhardinger led the team with 14 points.

During the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, back in 2022, Gilas Pilipinas shocked everyone when they lost against Indonesia, ending the 33-year winning streak dating back to 1997.

— Sally, The Summit Express