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MANILA, Philippines – A come-from-behind win looked very achievable when the Batang Gilas national youth team came charging late in the fourth period against Argentina.
But victory still eluded the Philippines as they dropped their 5th straight game, 84-71, in the FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Dubai on Thursday, August 14.
After Argentina scored 6 straight points to open the final canto, Batang Gilas showed their grit and determination to get that first win by mounting a 12-0 burst to turn a 74-52 deficit midway through the fourth to just a manageable 74-64 disadvantage nearing the two-minute mark.
Paul Desidero, who chipped in 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, later knocked one down from rainbow country to make it just a 76-67 ballgame.
But Jeffrey Merchant (14 points) made some key baskets that squashed any hope for a last-gasp comeback, even as Gilas came to within 78-71 late in the game.
Agustin Mas Delfino topscored for Argentina with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Ayan Carvalho contributed 16 points as well for the Argentina squad who emerged from Group D with a 2-1 slate before getting eliminated by Spain in the Round of 16.
Batang Gilas played sans leading scorer Jolo Mendoza who suffered a hamstring injury. Mendoza averaged 15.8 points per game.
Coach Jamike Jarin’s boys, however, made do with what they had and still put on a sterling start to lead by 11-8 in the first. But the complexion of the game changed right away even before Batang Gilas could build significant momentum with Argentina going on the counter-attack by way of a 14-3 run to snatch the lead by the end of the first, 22-14.
Gilas kept it close heading into halftime, down by just 35-27, but as has been the trend in the tourney, the young cagers allowed a huge third quarter rally (Argentina outscored Batang Gilas, 27-19, in that frame) which buried them in too deep a hole to overcome.
Jolo Go, Batang Gilas’ second leading scorer, exploded for a game-high 27 points as Michael Dela Cruz added 14 markers.
Batang Gilas shot much better from three-point land in this game, going 13-of-30.
They will face Egypt in another classification match that will determine their place from 13th to 16th. – Rappler.com
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