Gilas boys upstaged by Jordan 5

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas boys fell to Jordan, 62-56, to absorb a first but costly defeat in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup yesterday at the As Salt Arena Complex in Amman, Jordan.

The Filipinos had a searing start but could not sustain the momentum in the next three periods, where they played catch-up ball to the hosts en route to a 1-1 slate in Group D.

Gilas now has to win its last assignment by a wide margin against unbeaten New Zealand (2-0) today to stay in the hunt for a top-ranked finish and an automatic quarterfinal ticket.

Coach Josh Reyes’ wards led in the first quarter, 30-24, but never regained the upperhand after Jordan waxed hot in the ensuing periods to build a lead as high as 12.