The Philippines boys national team lost a tightly contested game to host Argentina 74-71 in the FIBA Under-17 World Cup at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario city on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).
Batang Gilas thus enters the round of 16 having lost all 3 of its group-stage games.
The Filipinos next play undefeated Canada, winners of Group C and ranked No. 2 in the world, during the crossover, knockout phase on Wednesday.
After losing back-to-back games via blowout, Batang Gilas gave world No. 8 Argentina everything it could handle.
Down by as many 11 points, the Philippines patiently whittled down the deficit and eventually took the driver’s seat 54-52 late in the third quarter on Carl Tamayo’s layup.
Argentina went ahead again 61-56, but an 8-0 run capped by Terrence John Fortea’s 3-pointer made it 64-61 with 7:15 left in the game.
But a series of sloppy plays by Batang Gilas allowed Argentina to go in front 74-68.
Still, the visitors had a chance to pull off an upset.
Fortea drilled another 3-pointer to make it 74-71, 21 seconds to go, but the Philippines’ comeback fell short after 3 successive misses from downtown.
Fortea finished with 17 points and 5 3-pointers, while Gerry Abadiano added 17 points of his own.
Kai Sotto tallied 13 points and 15 rebounds, coming off a disappointing game in a loss to France
