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Gilas Youth falls to Greece at start of FIBA U19 WC

Nikolaos Arsenopoulos got the last laugh over Kai Sotto. FIBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Gilas Pilipinas Youth failed to sustain a surprisingly hot start and fell prey to host nation Greece, 69-85, at the start of the FIBA U19 World Cup at the Heraklion Arena early Sunday (Philippine Time).

Despite AJ Edu leaving the game just two minutes in with a knee injury, Gilas Youth came out waxing hot and even took a 22-12 lead late in the first quarter.

However, Edu's absence slowly began to take a toll on Gilas Youth as Greece gradually got back into the game and eventually turned it into a blowout come the final quarter.

Nikolaos Arsenopoulos tallied 18 markers, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal to lead Greece.

Aristotelis Sotiriou added 16 markers, nine boards, and two dimes off the bench.

Kai Sotto and Gerry Abadiano each put up 13 points for Gilas Youth.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno