On Monday, Philippines were looking for their first victory in the group stages of the 2014 FIBA World Cup. They squared off against Argentina and came up short, losing 81-85.
In the first quarter, Argentina was led by Walter Herrmann and Facundo Campazzo as they combined for 15 out of the team's 22 points in the period. Luis Scola was struggling early, going 0 for 3 from the field. Meanwhile, the Philippines had a balanced attack in the first period, earning themselves a 3-point lead at the end of the quarter.
However, in the second and third quarters Scola came out strong, going a perfect 6 for 6 from the floor and scoring 15 of his game-high 19 points in those quarters. After outscoring Philippines by 8 in the second quarter, Argentina took a 5-point lead into halftime.
Late in the third quarter, Argentina opened its biggest lead of the game, going up by 15. Argentina ended the third period with a satisfying 10-point lead, 71-61.
In the final period, Philippines got off to a quick start, going on a 8-0 run to trim Argentina's lead down to two. The rest of the fourth quarter was a back and forth battle, and Argentina ultimately came out on top, 85-81.
Philippines shot much better than Argentina from the field. They hit 50.8 percent of their shots compared to Argentina's 42 percent. However, turnovers played a major role in the game. Philippines shot themselves in the foot with 16 giveaways, while Argentina only had 8.
Ranidel De Ocampo was the one leading Philippines in scoring this time with 18 points. Andray Blatche, who has been Philippines leading scorer thus far, pushed in 14 points. Jim Alapag added 15.
For Argentina, as mentioned above, Luis Scola led them with 19 points. Marcos Mata chipped in with 17 points and 9 boards. Walter Herrmann, who got off to a quick start, finished the game with 10.
Argentina plays against Senegal on September 3rd at 11:30 am Eastern Time.
Philippines, still winless, play Puerto Rico on the same day at 7:30 am Eastern Time.