Playing for their fallen comrade AJ Edu, Gilas Pilipinas Youth brought the fight against Argentina.
But it was not enough to the world no. 9 squad as the young Filipinos fell, 72-77, Monday morning (Philippine time) at the Heraklion University Hall in Greece.
The Philippines fell to 0-2 in Group C of the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup while Argentina rose to the top of the table with a 2-0 slate. Both Russia and Greece hold a 1-1 record.
Unlike their game against Greece on opening day, the country’s top young guns fought until the very end.
Down by as much as 15 points in the first half, Gilas slowly slight the lead in the third canto.
Dave Ildefonso carried the squad on his shoulders, figuring in a shootout with Lucas Reyes.
Behind Ildefonso and a triple by Gerry Abadiano, the Philippines were able to cut the lead down to just four.
Reyes converted on both of his free throws in the next possession but so did Ildefonso with 22 ticks remaining.
However, it took the young Filipinos 10 seconds too long to foul an Argentinian on the other end, leading to two more makes for Reyes. A split on the stripe by Sotto proved to be the end of the Filipino’s rally.
Ildefonso led the Philippines with 22 points and 10 rebounds while Sotto tallied 17 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks.
Abadiano and Spencer chipped in nine markers each as Carl Tamayo added nine rebounds and eight points in 30 minutes of action.
Though the Philippines were able to out-rebound Argentina 50 to 34 and were close in almost every category, Gilas committed a whopping 20 turnovers that led to 27 points for Argentina.
Reyes ended up scoring 11 of his 15 points in the final frame.
Leading the way for the Argentina was Marco Giordano, who had 18 markers built on three triples. Francisco Farabello had three treys as well for 15 points.
Gilas Youth will have a day break before taking on Russia on Tuesday, July 3 at 1:00 am.
The Scores:
Philippines 72 – Ildefonso 22, Sotto 17, Abadiano 9, Spencer 9, Tamayo 8, Amsali 4, Panopio 3, Torres 0, Chiu 0, Oczon 0 , Fortea 0.
Argentina 77 – Giordano 18, Farabello 15, Reyes 15, Caffaro 9, Ruesga 8, Marcos 5, Chapero 4, Fuente 3, Lugarini 0, Fernandez 0, Simondi 0.
Quarterscores: 15-22, 32-39, 51-58, 72-77.
