The Under-17 squad of Batang Gilas received a rude welcome from 10th-ranked team in the world Croatia during the opening game of the group stages of the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup, falling 75-97, Sunday morning (Philippine time) at the Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario, Argentina.
The best under-16 center in Asia Kai Sotto still managed to have 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting to go along with 12 rebounds and two blocks, despite fighting off foul trouble all game long.
After facing multiple double-digit deficits in the first half, Batang Gilas was able to slice the lead to just eight points, 47-55, midway through the final frame after a Terrence Fortea triple.
Fortea had 14 points for Batang Gilas, spiked by four triples.
However, Croatia answered right back with a 16-2 spurt to end the quarter. Even with the tallest frontline ever paraded by the country, Batang Gilas could not contain the Croatians, who were able to lead by as much as 85-53.
Carl Tamayo had 12 points and eight rebounds in his debut but shot just 3-of-8 from the field. Fellow big man Raven Cortez added 13 markers.
Gerry Abadiano bombed in his Gilas debut, going field goal-less to finish with six points. He had four turnovers as well.
Matej Rudan powered Croatia with 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Matej Bosnjak added 14 markers.
Batang Gilas will next face Monday, July 2, at 5:15am.
The Scores:
Philippines 75- Sotto 23, Fortea 14, Cortez 13, Tamayo 12, Abadiano 6, Padrigao 3, Andrada 2, Calimag 2, Chiu 0, Guadana 0, Lazaro 0
Croatia 97 – Rudan 16, Bosnjak 14, Gulin 13, Prkacin 10, Gnjidic 9, Gizdavcic 8, Saric 8, Skarica 7, Perasovic 5, Parlov 4, Paponja 3, Rasic 0
Quarterscores: 15-25, 31-44, 49-71, 75-97
