MANILA – Batang Gilas suffered its second straight defeat in the 2018 FIBA U-17 World Cup after being dominated by host France 54-95 on Sunday night (Monday in Manila) at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario, France.
The Philippines managed to keep in step with France in the first two quarters before surrendering to the latter’s strong third quarter showing to slide to 0-2. France improved to 2-0.
Batang Gilas surged to a 5-2 lead on back-to-back hits by Kai Sotto and Carl Tamayo. France zoomed to an 11-5 edge before Batang Gilas rallied back behind Gerry Abadiano to tie the scores at 17-all.
The Filipinos seized a 21-17 lead in the second period on shots by Sotto and Tamayo before the French countered with another round to take a 38-32 advantage at the half.
France pulled away for good in the third period as it outscored Batang Gilas 33-13 and built its largest lead in the game 80-45 midway in the final quarter.
Malcom Cazalon top-scored with 18 points, Matthieu Gauzon added 16 markers, while Killian Hayes and Theo Maledon had 14 points each for France.
Tamayo finished with double-double 19 points and 10 rebounds while Ilonggo Abadiano contributed 17 points for Batang Gilas. Sotto was held to just 7 points after scoring 23 points against Croatia on Sunday.
Batang Gilas will have a break from action on Tuesday before trying to take its first win in the tournament against Argentina on Wednesday (Manila time)./PN
