The Gilas Cadets team bagged the 2016 SEABA Stankovic Cup in Bangkok, Thailand after sweeping the elimination round and beating Thailand in the Championship game, 97 - 80. The cadets team pulled out this victory even though they were only formed a few weeks before the tournament started.
The team is bannered by pro-ballers Troy Rosario of Talk N Text and Almond Vosotros of Blackwater Elite. The core of the UAAP champion team FEU is also in the team - Mac Belo, Raymark Jose, Mike Tolomia, RR Pogoy, Ken Holmqvist and Russel Escoto. Other members were Arellano playmaker Jio Jalalon, UST standout Kevin Ferrer, Ateneo's Von Pessumal and Batang Gilas U-18 player from Chiang Kai Shek College Jonas Tibayan.
The championship game came 2 days after a very close game against Thailand in the eliminations, where the Gilas cadets escaped with a 66-65 win over the home team. The cadets came prepared this time in the championship, but Thailand started strong, leading most of the way in the first half. In the second half, the GIlas cadets started to pull away but ended the 3rd quarter in the lead by only 5 points.Gold Medal for Gilas Cadets in the SEABA Stankovic Cup!— Gilas Pilipinas (@smartgilasph) May 28, 2016
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In the last quarter, it was Mac Belo's 8 point run (with 2 three point shots and a put back) and Jio Jalalon's agressiveness to break the zone defense that prompted the team's breakaway run and never looked back after that.
The title was last won by Singapore in 2014 when Philippines did not participate in the tournament since Manila was the host of the 2014 FIBA Asia Championship and they automatically qualify for the tournament.
With this win, the Philippines does not only stamped its dominance in the region in terms of men's basketball but also qualified the team to the 2016 FIBA Asia challenge, which will serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2017 FIBA Asia Championship which will feature teams from Asia and Oceania.
Congratulations Gilas Cadets!
