Discover the Complete 2022 SEA Games Women's Basketball Standings and Final Rankings

As I sat courtside during the electrifying final match of the 2022 SEA Games women's basketball tournament, I couldn't help but reflect on how this competition perfectly embodied what that training quote I'd recently come across was all about - different points of pressure coming from various styles and strengths. Having covered Southeast Asian basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed how these regional games serve as the ultimate testing ground for national teams, and this year's tournament in Hanoi delivered some of the most compelling basketball I've seen in years.

The Philippines emerged as the undisputed champion, finishing with a perfect 5-0 record that showcased their remarkable growth in women's basketball. I remember watching their final match against Malaysia where they dominated with a convincing 88-66 victory, demonstrating the kind of cohesive team play that championship squads are made of. Their journey to gold was particularly impressive considering they averaged 85.4 points per game while holding opponents to just 68.2 points - statistics that speak volumes about their balanced approach to both offense and defense. What struck me most about the Philippine team was their adaptability; they faced different defensive schemes from each opponent but always found ways to adjust, much like that training concept of handling varied pressure points.

Indonesia secured the silver medal with a 4-1 record, their only loss coming against the Philippines in a tightly contested 81-88 match that had me on the edge of my seat throughout. Having followed their program's development, I was particularly impressed with their center rotation - they brought a physical presence that challenged every team they faced. Malaysia claimed bronze with a 3-2 record, and I have to say their performance against Thailand in the bronze medal match was one of the tournament's highlights. They trailed by 8 points at halftime but mounted a spectacular second-half comeback to win 81-73, showing the mental toughness that separates medal contenders from the rest of the pack.

Thailand finished fourth with a 2-3 record, and while they didn't medal, I believe they were one of the most improved teams in the competition. Their guard play was exceptional, featuring quick ball movement and perimeter shooting that forced defenses to extend beyond their comfort zones. Singapore placed fifth with a 1-4 record, though their single victory against Vietnam was more impressive than their record might suggest. Vietnam rounded out the competition at sixth place with an 0-5 record, but I want to emphasize that their performance doesn't accurately reflect their progress - they pushed Malaysia to overtime and lost to Thailand by just 4 points in what was arguably the most exciting game of the preliminary round.

What made this tournament particularly fascinating from my perspective was how clearly it demonstrated the concept of adapting to different pressure points. Each team brought distinct styles to the court - the Philippines with their up-tempo transition game, Indonesia with their methodical half-court sets, Malaysia with their aggressive defensive schemes, Thailand with their perimeter-oriented attack, Singapore with their disciplined system play, and Vietnam with their relentless energy. Watching teams adjust from facing one style to completely different approaches in back-to-back games was like observing a masterclass in basketball adaptation.

The statistical breakdown reveals interesting patterns that might not be immediately apparent from just looking at the final standings. The Philippines led in scoring margin at +17.2 points per game, while Indonesia dominated the rebounding category with 46.2 boards per contest. Malaysia surprisingly led in three-point percentage at 38.4%, which explains their ability to stay competitive even against more physically imposing teams. Thailand's assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.8:1 was the tournament's best, reflecting their disciplined ball movement. These numbers matter because they show how different strengths can lead to success - there's no single formula for winning basketball games at this level.

From my experience covering international basketball, what separates successful teams in tournaments like the SEA Games is their ability to prepare for diverse challenges. That training quote about different pressure points resonates deeply with me because I've seen how teams that excel in one style often struggle when facing unfamiliar approaches. The Philippine team's victory was particularly impressive because they demonstrated versatility - they could win shootouts against Thailand (winning 97-81) and grind out defensive battles against Indonesia (winning 88-81 in a game that was closer than the score suggests). This adaptability, this capacity to handle various pressure points, is what I believe will define the next generation of Southeast Asian women's basketball.

Looking beyond the scores and standings, I'm genuinely excited about the development I witnessed across all six teams. The gap between the top and bottom teams has narrowed significantly compared to previous tournaments, which speaks to the growing investment in women's basketball throughout the region. While the Philippines deserved their gold medal with what I consider the most complete team in recent SEA Games history, the overall competitiveness bodes well for the future of the sport in Southeast Asia. The different styles and strengths on display created a fascinating basketball ecosystem where no two games felt similar, and that variety is exactly what makes covering these tournaments so rewarding for someone who's been following this sport as long as I have.