SEA Games 2025 Basketball: Gilas Pilipinas Defeat Vietnam to Reach Semi-Finals

Updated: December 15, 2025

Dominant Comeback by Gilas Pilipinas

The Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team secured a thrilling 78–67 victory over Vietnam at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, booking a place in the semi-finals of the men’s basketball tournament. ([olympics.com](https://www.olympics.com/en/news/sea-games-2025-philippines-beat-vietnam-basketball?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Despite a sluggish start and trailing by as much as 14 points in the second quarter, the Philippines rallied back with poise and determination to overcome their opponents and remain unbeaten in SEA Games play. ([tiebreakertimes.com.ph](https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/gilas-men-overcome-slow-start-tops-vietnam-to-advance-to-sea-games-semis/360580?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Key Performances and Game Highlights

Veteran guard Robert Bolick played a crucial role down the stretch, knocking down timely three-pointers in the fourth quarter that shifted momentum decisively in favor of the Filipinos. ([sports.inquirer.net](https://sports.inquirer.net/654290/sea-games-2025-gilas-pilipinas-rallies-past-vietnam-to-reach-semis?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Center Poy Erram also delivered a critical triple in the final minutes, further widening the gap and helping Gilas pull away from a resilient Vietnamese side. ([tiebreakertimes.com.ph](https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/gilas-men-overcome-slow-start-tops-vietnam-to-advance-to-sea-games-semis/360580?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

The team’s composure and late-game execution helped erase a second-quarter deficit and secure their progression to the knockout stages of the competition. ([olympics.com](https://www.olympics.com/en/news/sea-games-2025-philippines-beat-vietnam-basketball?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

What This Means for the Philippines

With this important victory, Gilas Pilipinas not only moves into the semi-finals of the SEA Games 2025 but also continues their title defense with strong momentum. The team now awaits their next opponent in the crossover semifinal match, which is set to take place later this week. ([tiebreakertimes.com.ph](https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/gilas-men-overcome-slow-start-tops-vietnam-to-advance-to-sea-games-semis/360580?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

This performance emphasizes the depth and resilience of the Filipino squad, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and compete at a high level in crucial moments. ([gmanetwork.com](https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/969627/gilas-pilipinas-fends-off-vietnam-to-clinch-sea-games-men-s-basketball-semis-spot/story/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Stay tuned for more updates and full coverage of the SEA Games 2025 basketball tournament, including Gilas Pilipinas’ semi-final matchup and key player news.