AFTER 61 years, the Philippines is once again the basketball champion!

The Philippines win the gold medal in Men's Basketball at the 19th Asian Games, concluding the competition in Hangzhou, China.

The long wait ended Friday night, when Gilas Pilipinas eked out a hard-fought 70-60 victory against Jordan in the final of the men's basketball tournament in the 19th edition of the Asiad in Hangzhou, China.

The Philippines last won the basketball gold medal in the quadrennial regional games in Jakarta in 1962.

The Final Standings of the Asian Games are:

Philippines
Jordan
China
Chinese Taipei
Iran
Saudi Arabia
Korea
Japan

Gilas had lost the matchup to Jordan earlier in the Group Phase of the competition but made sure to win in the important clash. Justin Brownlee wrapped up a memorable performance throughout the tournament with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, while Ange Kouame put his defensive chops on display with 5 steals and 2 blocks to go with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Few Filipinos are still alive who remember when a Filipino team led by the local legend Carlos "The Big Difference" Loyzaga, took the Asian Games basketball gold in Jakarta in 1962.

Engracio Arazas, Kurt Bachmann, Narciso Bernardo, Geronimo Cruz, Manuel Jocson, Carlos Loyzaga, Alfonso Marquez, Roel Nadurata,Eduardo Pacheco, Cristobal Ramas,Alberto Reynoso and Edgardo Roque.