Gilas Pilipinas got up from a slow start and took down Indonesia, 97-70, in the semifinals to make their way to the gold medal game in the 30th Southeast Asian Games men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Monday, December 9, 2019.

After a somewhat muted first half that saw Gilas ahead by just 11, 39-28, Chris Ross sparked the team with three makes from beyond the arc that paved the way for the Filipinos to uncork 39 points and take a 78-45 lead into the fourth canto and eventually nab the victory and earn a spot in the finals against Thailand.

The Philippines is looking for its 18th title in the SEA Games men’s basketball competition.

Versatile big man Christian Standhardinger led the Philippines with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, as well as a steal and a block. Sharpshooter Matthew Wright was also on target against Indonesia as he wound up with 13 points spiked by three triples to go with eight assists, and four boards.

Forward Vic Manuel also had his way inside the shaded lane as he came off the bench and finished with 12. Ross finished with 11 points, six assists and five rebounds while Stanley Pringle had nine points, three boards, and two steals.

THE SCORES:

PHILIPPINES 97 - Standhardinger 14, Wright 13, Manuel 12, Ross 11, Pringle 9, Fajardo 9, Lassiter 7, Rosario 7, Aguilar 6, Slaughter 6, Ravena 2, Tenorio 1.

INDONESIA 70 - Kokodiputra 20, Grahita 14, Dhyaksa 11, Joni 11, Gemilang 6, Sitorus 4, Oei 2, Kokasih 2, Lakudu 0, Wicaksono 0.

Quarters: 24-20, 39-28, 78-45, 97-70.