PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Gilas Pilipinas women 3x3 player said the decision of Cambodia to field a virtually all-naturalized players for their men and women 3x3 basketball teams practically lost the essence of Southeast Asian Games.

Cambodia fielded four naturalized players for its women 3x3 team and three for its men's team.

Animam said the essence of the SEA Games is for its countries to show their local talents.

Animam and Gilas women defeated the Cambodian team in the semis and went on to win a silver medal while the Gilas men team lost to the Cambodian team in the finals to also settle for silver on May 7 at the Elephant Hall.

VIDEO BY NIEL MASOY