Philippines vs Cambodia Basketball Final Score and Key Highlights from the Game

Watching the Philippines versus Cambodia basketball final was one of those rare sporting moments where you could feel the energy through the screen. I’ve been covering Southeast Asian basketball for over a decade, and I can tell you—this game had everything: drama, momentum swings, and a level of endurance from the Philippine squad that reminded me of PLDT’s recent incredible run. You might have heard, PLDT played four matches in just one week and won all of them. That kind of resilience isn’t just luck; it’s built through conditioning and mental toughness, something the Philippine team clearly shares. Let me walk you through how this final unfolded, because it wasn’t just a game—it was a statement.

From the opening tip-off, the Philippines came out with an aggressive, high-tempo style that put Cambodia on the back foot almost immediately. I’ve always admired how coach Tim Cone prepares his teams for big moments, and this was no exception. The ball movement was crisp, the defense was swarming, and by the end of the first quarter, the score stood at 28–14 in favor of the Philippines. Cambodia, to their credit, didn’t fold. They started finding gaps in the second quarter, hitting a series of three-pointers that cut the lead to just 6 points at one stage. I remember thinking, "This is where fatigue could set in," especially with the Philippine players coming off a packed schedule reminiscent of PLDT’s four-match week. But instead of crumbling, they dug deep. June Mar Fajardo, who finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds, was an absolute force in the paint, and his second-chance points kept the momentum alive when Cambodia threatened to take over.

What stood out to me, beyond the individual performances, was the team’s stamina. Playing multiple high-stakes games in a short span is brutal—just ask any athlete. PLDT’s recent success, winning all four of their matches in a single week, shows what’s possible with the right preparation, and the Philippine basketball team mirrored that. By halftime, the score was 52–41, and you could see Cambodia’s frustration building. They were giving up too many offensive rebounds, and the Philippines capitalized almost every time. I’ve always believed that rebounding wins championships, and this game proved it once again. The third quarter was where the Philippines really pulled away, going on a 15–4 run that stretched the lead to 22 points. Cambodia tried to respond with full-court pressure, but the Philippine guards handled it beautifully, turning defense into easy transition buckets.

Of course, no big game is without its controversies. There was a questionable foul call early in the fourth quarter that had fans on both sides up in arms. Personally, I thought it was a clean block, but the referees saw it differently, and Cambodia converted the free throws to narrow the gap to 12. That’s when the experience of the Philippine veterans shone through. They didn’t let the call rattle them; instead, they tightened up on defense and executed in the half-court. With about five minutes left, Kiefer Ravines—one of my favorite players to watch—drilled a clutch three-pointer that essentially sealed the game. The final score read 89–74, a solid victory that didn’t fully capture how competitive stretches of the game were.

Looking back, this match was a masterclass in endurance and tactical discipline. The Philippines didn’t just rely on talent; they outworked Cambodia in the hustle stats, grabbing 14 offensive rebounds and forcing 18 turnovers. Those numbers might not sound flashy, but in a final, they make all the difference. It’s the same kind of gritty, week-in-week-out consistency we saw from PLDT—winning all four of their matches in such a short timeframe. As someone who’s followed both basketball and corporate leagues closely, I see a common thread: success isn’t just about peak performance; it’s about sustaining it under pressure. The Philippine team did that beautifully, and this victory sets them up as a force to reckon with in upcoming tournaments. If they can maintain this level, I have no doubt they’ll keep adding trophies to the cabinet.