Gilas Pilipinas leads Puerto Rico at halftime, 44-39

Philippines’ coach Vincent Reyes gives instructions to his players during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group B. AFP FILE PHOTO

SEVILLE, Spain – Showing hesitation  in some plays, Gilas Pilipinas saw its commanding 12-point first quarter lead dwindle to five, 44-39, at halftime.

The Filipinos, who are seeking to win their first World Cup game since 1974, actually opened up a 14-point lead early in the second period courtesy of two Paul Lee free throws, before some lapses in judgment allowed the Puerto Ricans back in the game.

Puerto Rico came up with several mini spurts to get back in the game with swingman David Huertas canning two charities off Gabe Norwood to end first half scoring.

This is the second time in the tournament that the Philippines ended a half in command, with the first happening two nights ago against World No. 3 Argentina.

That game, however, ended up in an 85-81 loss.

Andray Blatche scattered 15 points and had precious rest early in the second period, and LA Tenorio was at his best, shooting 13 after going perfect from the field — 4-of-4 from two-point zone and 1-of-1 from beyond the three-point arc,

Tenorio was also able to frustrate NBA veteran JJ Barea early. Barea scored the bulk of his 14 first half points when the Philippine game sort of second-guessed.

The Filipinos could have taken a bigger lead into the locker had it not been for two errors inside the final 1:30. They were still 44-37 up when they threw away two clears shots underneath.