Gilas Youth suffers second loss against Argentina

“Our #GilasPilipinas U19 Youth Team never gave up until the end #ParaSaBayan! Argentina wins. #SBP #LabanPilipinas #FIBAU19” (Photo: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas – SBP/Facebook)

The Philippine national team, represented by the Gilas Pilipinas Youth, continues their search for their first win in the FIBA U-19 World Cup after being defeated once again, this time by world number nine ranked Argentina last Sunday, June 30 at the Heraklion University Sports Hall in Greece.

The ending score turned out 77-72, with future National University (NU) Bulldog Dave Ildefonso leading the Filipinos with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while seven-foot-one Kai Sotto totalled 17 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks. Both Gerry Abadiano and James Spencer contributed nine points individually. However, team Philippines still missed the absence of Filipino-Nigerian AJ Edu, who is suffering from a potential torn ACL and meniscus on his right knee in the team’s first game against Greece.

For the Argentinians, Marco Giordano performed with 18 points and Francisco Farabello totalled 15, but it was Lucas Reyes who stunned during the fourth quarter after successfully chipping 11 of 15 points – including four free-throws in the final 22 seconds of the game.

The Filipinos out-rebounded Argentina, 50 to 34, throughout the entire game, but the Argentinians took advantage of converting 20 turnovers into 27 points.

Gilas Youth will try to finally score that victory in Group C as they face Russia, ranked 19, on Tuesday, July 2. They remain at the no. 30 spot throughout the entire league. Russia and Greece, who have one win and one loss, are currently tied at the top spot.