Gilas Youth absorb second defeat at the hands of Argentina

Gilas Pilipinas Youth suffered another loss but in close fashion after dropping a 77-72 decision over Argentina last Sunday in the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Heraklion, Greece.

The Filipino youth cagers succumbed to their second straight defeat in Group C despite battling from deficits as high as 15 points only to fail to take the lead in the contest.

Dave Ildefonso had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Kai Sotto had 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks for Gilas Youth as the tournament takes a one-day break before resuming back into action.

Argentina started out with a 18-7 lead in the game, but Ildefonso kept the game close with six straight points to slice the gap to five. The Philippines trailed, 22-15, at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Argentinians posted a 32-19 lead on a jumper by Marco Giordano. Francisco Farabello hit a triple for Argentina to grab a 14-point advantage, 37-23. However, the second quarter ended with Carl Tamayo, Ildefonso, and Sotto scoring to cut the lead to 39-32 at the half.

Argentina started the third quarter on fire after a 5-0 run and a 44-32 lead. James Spencer, however, lit up for the Philippines as his two three-point baskets kept the team at bay. Dalph Panopio hit another three to cut Argentina’s lead further, 52-49. Argentina responded though with Lucas Reyes capping the third with a basket to enter the fourth with a 58-51 lead.

The lead reached at its highest – 15 points – after a three by Reyes bringing Argentina’s gap to 68-53. But once again, Gilas Youth didn’t give up as Ildefonso towed the Philippines to within seven points, 68-61. Gerry Abadiano hit a three with 33 seconds left to decrease the Argentina lead to 73-69.

But with only seconds left on the clock, Gilas Youth forced to foul with Reyes hitting four free throws in the end game to lock the victory for the Argentina side.

Giordano had 18 points as Reyes chipped in 15 points for Argentina, which picked up its second victory in the group stage.

Gilas Youth will have Russia as its next opponent on Tuesday. Russia won over Greece, 83-75, to take a 1-1 record along with its opponent.

Scores:

ARGENTINA 77 – Giordano 18, Reyes 15, Farabello 15, Caffaro 9, Ruesga 8, Marcos 5, Chapero 4, De La Fuente 3, Fernandez 0, Lugarini 0, Simondi 0.

PHILIPPINES 72 – Ildefonso 22, Sotto 17, Abadiano 9, Spencer 9, Tamayo 8, Amsali 4, Panopio 3, Oczon 0, Fortea 0, Torres 0, Chiu 0.

Quarterscores: 22-15, 39-32, 58-51, 77-72.

PHOTO: FIBA.COM