Basketball at the 1981 SEA Games

The hosts Philippines were able to regain the men's championship title by blasting the defending champions Malaysia in the Gold Medal Match, 91–74, to avenge their preliminary loss to the same team.

Meanwhile, Thailand edged out Singapore in the third place battle, 99–90, to take home the Bronze Medal.

In the women's division, Malaysia asserted their supremacy by defeating the hosts the Philippines in the Gold Medal Match, 52–42, to annex their third straight championship.

Thailand knocked off Singapore in the third place battle, 59–46, to win the Bronze Medal.

The competition format for both men's and women's event calls for the top two teams after the single round robin to face in the championship match.