Gilas Pilipinas’ late rally was not enough to atone for a slow start, absorbing a 71-81 defeat at the hands of Estonia’s Team B, early Wednesday morning (Manila time) at Kalevi Spordihall in Tallinn.
The Philippines, who did not have Scottie Thompson for the match, figured in a 29-14 deficit after the first 10 minutes of the game.
Behind the efforts of Dwight Ramos and Thirdy Ravena, Gilas stormed back, slicing the lead to just three, 66-63, halfway through the final frame.
Estonia though would not let the visitors spoil their home game, knocking down big baskets in the clutch.
“I was very happy and very impressed with our first game considering that this is June Mar’s first game in six months and Japeth’s first game in four months,” said Gilas head coach Chot Reyes. “For us to continue to battle falling behind 20 points and we were down by just a basket halfway through the fourth quarter.
“Good first step.”
Ramos led Gilas with 16 points, five rebounds, and two steals while Thirdy got nine points.
Justin Brownlee, who cramped up in the third quarter, had eight points and four rebounds.
Japeth Aguilar and June Mar Fajardo also made their return.
Carlos Jurgens, a junior at Oral Roberts University, led Estonia with 20 points while 22-year-old Mikk Jurkatamm added 14 points.
Estonia did not qualify for the FIBA World Cup.
Up next for the Philippines is Finland.
The Scores:
Philippines 71 – Ramos 16, Ravena T. 9, Brownlee 8, Perez 7, Ravena K. 6, Abando 5, Erram 5, Aguilar 5, Fajardo 5, Newsome 2.
Estonia 81 – Jurgens 20, Jurkatamm 14, Ilver 12, Riismaa 10, Kirsipuu 8, Aav 5, Pehka 5, Jurkatamm 3, Kasemets 2, Carey 2.
Quarterscores: 14-29, 35-49, 59-64, 71-81.
