GILAS Pilipinas took a much-needed respite after it automatically qualified to the semifinal round of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games 5x5 men’s basketball tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

Gilas nipped Vietnam on Monday, Dec. 15, 78-67, and its next assignment will be on Thursday yet, Dec. 18, against a still-to-be-determined opponent.

Before beating Vietnam, the Nationals also defeated Malaysia, 83-58, topping Group A with a clean 2-0 (win-loss) slate. Gilas’ semifinal opponent will be Indonesia or Vietnam, which will face each other in a do-or-die quarterfinal match.

In Group B, host country Thailand emerged as the top seed following a 3-0 sweep, capped by a resounding 133-38 dumping of Myanmar on Monday night.

Next up for Thailand in the semifinals is either Group A second-seed Malaysia or Singapore, which ranked third in Group B.

It will be actually a busy day for the country’s basketball teams as Gilas Pilipinas Women will also see action in the semifinals on Thursday against a still-to-be-determined opponent.(CCM)

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