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FIBA Under-17 World Cup: Batang Gilas bows to Croatia, as Kai tallies 20-10

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/07/01/20180701_sotto.jpg"/><figcaption>Kai Sotto led Batang Gilas with 23 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Croatia on Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila time). Courtesy of FIBA website</figcaption></figure></div>The Philippine boys&#x27; national team had a rough start to the FIBA Under-17 World Cup, losing 97-75 to Croatia at Newell&#x27;s Old Boys in Rosario city, Argentina on Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila time).Kai Sotto finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds, playing a game-high 31 minutes for the Filipinos who were dominated by their European opponents in almost every department.Croatia, ranked No. 10 in the world, 24 places higher than the Philippines, led 8-0 to open the game and didn&#x27;t let Batang Gilas score until the 6:24 mark of the first quarter when point guard Terrence Fortea hit a 3-pointer.The Philippines trailed 25-15 after the first and fell behind by as many as 32 points, 85-53, midway through the fourth.Fortea registered 14 points and 4 3-pointers, while power forward Raven Cortez chipped in 13 points.Forward and Batang Gilas first-timer Carl Tamayo contributed 12 points and 8 rebounds.Forward Matej Rudan led Croatia with 16 points and 4 3-pointers.The Filipinos, who booked a ticket to the Worlds after reaching the semifinals of the Asian qualifiers in April, committed 28 turnovers to Croatia&#x27;s 16. That translated to a 30-11 advantage by Croatia in points off turnovers.The only statistical bright spot for the Philippines was at the free-throw line, where Batang Gilas shot 21 of 32 (65.6%). Croatia made 9 of 14 (64.3%).The Philippines next plays France Monday morning (Manila time).For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com" target="_blank">Sports website.</a>

The Philippines had a rough start to its campaign in Argentina, losing 97-75 to Croatia Sunday morning (Manila time).

The Philippines had a rough start to its campaign in Argentina, losing 97-75 to Croatia Sunday morning (Manila time).