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

As I sat courtside analyzing the 2022 SEA Games women's basketball tournament, I couldn't help but reflect on how this competition perfectly embodied what that athlete once said about diverse training environments creating better players. The final standings revealed more than just numbers—they told a story of nations pushing each other to new heights through their distinctive playing styles and competitive pressures. Let me walk you through what made this particular tournament so memorable from my perspective as someone who's followed Southeast Asian basketball for over a decade.

The Philippines emerged as the undisputed champion with a perfect 5-0 record, and I have to say their dominance wasn't surprising to those of us who'd been tracking their preparation. They averaged 85.4 points per game while holding opponents to just 62.2—a staggering 23-point differential that speaks volumes about their balanced approach. What impressed me most was how they adapted to different challenges, much like that training philosophy about facing varied pressures. Against Malaysia's physical defense, they adjusted their perimeter game, whereas versus Thailand's fast-paced offense, they tightened their transition defense. Indonesia secured silver with a 4-1 record, their only loss coming against the Philippines in a thrilling 81-77 contest that had me on the edge of my seat until the final buzzer.

Malaysia's bronze medal finish at 3-2 represented what I consider the tournament's most fascinating storyline. They started shaky with losses to the top two teams but finished strong with three consecutive victories, including a stunning 72-68 overtime win against Thailand that showcased their resilience. Their center, Noor Aishah, averaged 18.3 points and 11.7 rebounds—numbers that don't fully capture how she dominated the paint against taller opponents. Thailand placed fourth at 2-3, but honestly, their record doesn't reflect how competitive they were throughout. Two of their losses were by four points or fewer, including that heartbreaker against Malaysia where they led by seven with three minutes remaining in regulation.

Singapore and Vietnam rounded out the standings at 1-4 and 0-5 respectively, though I want to emphasize that these teams showed tremendous growth compared to previous tournaments. Singapore's lone victory came against Vietnam in a 65-58 contest that featured fourteen lead changes—proof that even the lower-ranked teams brought intense competition. Vietnam's winless record pains me to report because they played with such heart, particularly in their 70-66 loss to Malaysia where they erased a fifteen-point deficit in the final quarter.

The tournament's MVP, Janine Dizon of the Philippines, averaged 19.8 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds—stellar numbers that only tell part of the story. Watching her dismantle defenses with her court vision reminded me why I love covering these games. She had this incredible ability to read opposing teams' strategies by the second quarter and make adjustments that left coaches scrambling. The All-Tournament team featured representatives from four different nations, which I think beautifully illustrates how diverse playing styles elevated the overall competition quality.

What struck me most about this tournament was how each team's distinct approach created that "different points of pressure" dynamic the referenced quote mentions. The Philippines played with methodical precision, Indonesia relied on three-point shooting (they attempted 28.3 per game), Malaysia emphasized interior defense, Thailand pushed the tempo relentlessly, Singapore utilized strategic fouling, and Vietnam focused on offensive rebounding. These contrasting philosophies created a fascinating laboratory of basketball styles that forced every team to adapt constantly.

From my vantage point covering international basketball, I've noticed that regions where teams play similar styles tend to produce less dramatic evolution than what we witnessed here. The SEA Games became this incredible pressure cooker where teams had to solve completely different basketball puzzles game to game. The Philippines' championship wasn't just about having the most talent—it was about having the most adaptable system. Their coaching staff deserves tremendous credit for preparing players to switch tactical approaches faster than any team I've seen in recent Southeast Asian competitions.

Looking back, the 2022 women's basketball tournament might represent a turning point for the sport in the region. The level of competition has risen dramatically since I started covering these games in 2015, and this edition featured the closest gap between top and bottom teams we've seen. While the final standings show clear separation, the actual games told a different story—one where every team pushed their opponents in unique ways. The Philippines earned their gold medals, but every team left having been tested by styles and pressures that will undoubtedly make them better in future competitions. As that training philosophy suggests, facing diverse challenges creates growth, and this tournament provided exactly that kind of developmental environment.