Falling back early and picking up the slack late, Gilas Pilipinas fell short once again , this time against hosts Estonia, 90-80, in the Toyota Four Nations Cup on Saturday at Saku Suurhall Arena in Tallinn.
With the home team unloading 33 points in the first quarter and erecting a lead as high as 23, Gilas slowly chucked away the lead and got to as close as nine, 86-77 under three minutes to play with a Terrence Romeo trey.
However, the Estonians proved to be steadier in the clutch, hitting timely baskets to stave off the late run from the Philippines.
It was an improvement of sorts from coach Tab Baldwin’s side after a 27-point drubbing at the hands of Netherlands a day prior.
Andray Blatche finally showed signs of his old form, leading the squad with 16 points.
Jayson Castro added 12 markers, while Romeo got 10.
Calvin Abueva and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser both fouled out of the game, with Abueva exiting the match in the halfway mark of the third period.