Gilas Boys stumble to Puerto Rico, remain winless ahead of clash vs USA in FIBA U17 World Cup

The win remained elusive for Gilas Pilipinas Boys as they suffered yet another tough loss, falling to higher-ranked Puerto Rico, 98-53, to cap off their group stage run in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup on late Tuesday in Turkey. 

Consequently, the Josh Reyes-mentored crew fell to a 0-3 hole to wind up last in Group A.

The youthful national team also drew no less than six-time defending champion USA in the Round of 16, which will start later tonight with the Philippines taking on the undefeated Americans in the do-or-die match. 

Probably their best quarter so far in the tournament, the Filipinos were in command after the first frame as they built a 24-16 lead behind the offensive prowess of Joaquin Ludovice. 

However, they failed to sustain the momentum as Puerto Rico unleashed a pivotal 32-point outburst in the following period while they limited the Philippines to just four points in the third en route to the 45-point thrashing. 

Ludovice continued his brilliance for Gilas with 13 points along with three rebounds, two assists, and a steal while Kurt Nathan Velasquez and CJ Amos chipped in 19 and eight markers apiece. 

Jordan Dill paced Puerto Rico with 15 points while Vincent Stewart Jr. poured in a double-double effort of 11 markers and 10 rebounds. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News