Philippines women’s basketball team launched their title redemption mission at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in dramatic fashion, overturning a deficit to defeat Malaysia 76–67 in their opening Group-stage clash on Saturday.
Trailing after three quarters, the Filipinas produced a dominant final-period surge to wrest control of the contest and secure a crucial opening victory.
Malaysia held the edge for most of the game and entered the final quarter with a four-point advantage after maintaining their composure through the first three periods.
However, the Philippines flipped the script in the decisive moments, tightening their defence and capitalising on turnovers to outscore Malaysia 20–7 in the final quarter.
The late surge highlighted the Filipinas’ championship pedigree, composure under pressure, and superior execution down the stretch.
Malaysia showed resilience and discipline for three quarters, matching the Philippines basket for basket and holding their nerve against a traditionally strong opponent.
But the inability to respond to the Filipinas’ late push proved costly as fatigue and missed opportunities crept in during the closing minutes.
Credit Photo : POC
