Gilas Pilipinas Youth wanted to end their FIBA Under-19 World Cup campaign on a high note.
However, the Philippines could not hold off New Zealand late, falling 70-76, in the battle for 13th game of the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, Sunday evening.
The Philippines led for exactly 27 minutes and six seconds in the game — including a 70-67 lead with 1:28 left.
Oscar Oswald though knotted the game at 70-all with a triple while Flynn Cameron followed it up with a layup for the go-ahead bucket.
Misses by Dave Ildefonso and Gerry Abadiano led to a breakaway foul that led to two more free throws for Cameron sealed the win for the Kiwis.
The Philippines ended its first campaign in the Under-19 World Cup in 40 years at 14th place — better than China and Senegal.
Carl Tamayo paced the Philippines with 24 points and 12 rebounds while Dave Ildefonso added 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Dalph Panopio also had his best outing, scoring 16 points spiked by three triples.
Cameron led New Zealand with 21 points while Max Darling added 16 points and eight rebounds.
The Scores:
Philippines 70 — Tamayo 24, Ildefonso 16, Panopio 16, Sotto 8, Abadiano 2, Chiu 2, Oczon 2, Spencer 0, Amsali 0, Fortea 0, Torres 0.
New Zealand 76 –– Cameron 21, Darling 16, de Geest 15, Oswald 6, Perrott-Hunt 5, Higgins 4, Mete 4, Moors 3, Faamausili 2, Mennenga 0, Poppe 0, Stephens 0.
Quarterscores: 15-20, 37-45, 58-59, 70-76.
