International basketball tournament
The basketball tournament at the 1981 SEA Games took place from 7 to 13 December 1981. This edition of the tournament featured both men's and women's tournament. All matches took place at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
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.
