Gilas Pilipinas U18 would need to stay competitive to reach the playoffs of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
The Gilas Pilipinas U18 squad fell to Jordan in Group D of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, 62-56.
It's a breakthrough win for the hosts, while it's the first defeat of the tournament for the young Filipinos.
After three close quarters, the young Falcons stretched the lead to double digits in the final frame.
Gilas managed to whittle it down to three points with Mark Airick Esperanza's stepback jump shot in the final three minutes.
But Hadi Alshami wiped that out with two straight buckets.
Esperanza and Louis Allen Perez gave the Philippines another chance in the final minute with only a three-point deficit, but Jordan pulled away at the free throw line.
Gilas had the edge in steals with four, as well as points off turnovers at 19-10 and fastbreak points at 9-5.
However, the hosts had the 58-38 rebounding edge.
Esperanza was the lone Filipino in double digits with 14 points, along with three rebounds, six assists, and a steal.
Wilhalm Lawrence Cabonilas helped with nine points and five rebounds.
Meanwhile, Saidf Al-deen Saleh had a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds for Jordan.
The Philippines would next face the undefeated New Zealand later at 9:30 p.m., Philippine time, to close Group D.
Gilas--with a 1-1 record--would have to maintain its hold on third place to reach the playoff to the quarterfinals.
The winless Indonesia, currently sitting in fourth place, will take on Jordan.