Philippines loses to Argentina, falls to 0-2

By Adrian Stewart Co

The Philippine men’s national under-19 basketball team remains winless in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup after recently losing 77-72 to Argentina in Heraklion, Greece.
Trailing by as much as 15 points in the opening half, the Philippines went on to narrow the margin to five points in the third period following triples from James Spencer and Dalph Panopio. However, by the fourth period, Argentina went on to lead by as much as 12 points before the gap closed anew to four points following triples by Dave Ildefonso and Ilonggo point guard Gerry Abadiano.
In the closing seconds, Argentina’s Lucas Reyes was fouled, which allowed his side to increase their lead to six points.
Ildefonso led the Philippines with 22 points and 10 rebounds; while Kai Sotto tallied 17 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks; Abadiano and Spencer finished with nine markers each.
The Philippines currently sits in last place in Group C./ASC, WDJ