MANILA – Batang Gilas suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Argentina 71-74 during the 2018 FIBA U-17 World Cup at the Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario, France on Tuesday night (Wednesday in Manila).
But despite finishing the group stage eliminations with a 0-3 win-loss slate, the Philippine U-17 team will still advance to the knockout round-of-16 stage against Canada on Thursday.
Argentina had a strong 20-9 early advantage but Batang Gilas slowly clawed up in the second quarter behind Recaredo Calimag and Kai Sotto to come to within 32-36 at the half.
Argentina increased its lead to 7 early in third period but a strong run by Batang Gilas behind Gerry Abadiano and Forthsky Padrigao and a shot by Carl Tamayo swung the lead to their side 54-52.
Batang Gilas was up 64-61 after a triple by Padrigao early in the fourth quarter when Argentina converted consecutive baskets for a 74-68 lead with under two minutes left.
Batang Gilas made its last run and cut the deficit 71-74 on a 3-pointer by Terrence Fortea. The Philippines had a chance to send the match to overtime but Fortea and Abadiano misfired with their outside heaves.
Juan Francisco Fernandez finished with double-double 15 points and 12 rebounds while Ezequiel Paz and Agustin Cavallin had 11 and 10 points, respectively, for Argentina (1-2).
Ilonggo Abadiano and Fortea top-scored with 17 points apiece while Sotto contributed double-double 13 points and 15 rebounds for the Michael Oliver-mentored Batang Gilas./PN
