![Gilas Philippines vs Puerto Rico: Final Score, Video Highlights, Recap for Pilipinas FIBA World Cup Game [Updated]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F09%2F03%2F454536216-1080x720.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Gilas Pilipinas was close once again but could not beat Puerto Rico and lost 77-73.
It was a must-win for the Philippines, which had been close in its other three games as well but lost all of them.
Gilas cannot advance to the next round, but will still play Senegal on Thursday.
Coach Chot Reyes apologized to fans after the loss, reported GMA.
“We'd like to apologize to Filipino fans and our supporters,” said Reyes.
The coach said that the team’s lack of exposure at this level of play--it’s the first appearance at the World Cup in 36 years--has played a negative role.
“Our inexperience, of my players of myself as a coach, played a role,” he said.
“We fought hard. Effort was there but wasn’t enough.”
Check out the live score updates and video highlights below.
Final Stats
GILAS STATS: The Philippines were led by Andray Blatche’s 25 points and Lewis Tenorio’s 18 points. Paul Lee chipped in 10 points, and Jimmy Alapag and Gabe Norwood each had 6. Blatche had 14 rebounds while Ranidel de Ocampo had 3 assists. Blatche had a team-high six turnovers.
PUERTO RICO STATS: JJ Barea led Puerto Rico with 30 points while Ricky Sanchez and David Huertas added 13 each. Alex Franklin had 9 rebounds while Carlos Rivera had 3 assists.
