Chot Reyes takes blame for close Gilas Pilipinas defeat

The Philippine national basketball team dropped a close result for the second time in three games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup early Tuesday morning, remaining winless in the competition.

Gilas Pilipinas took the fight to Argentina, but its rally fell short in the waning seconds to allow the South American powerhouse to escape with the win.

The Philippines had gallantly battled back from a 15-point deficit in the second half behind team captain Jimmy Alapag, who hit five three-pointers including one that brought Gilas to within one point, 82-81, with less than two minutes remaining.

Gilas had a chance to tie the game or take the lead, but a turnover from top gun Jayson Castro doomed the Philippines' chances in the waning seconds.

But after the game, Gilas coach Chot Reyes laid the blame on himself, instead of his players, for the defeat.

"I have to get better shots for my team," said Reyes in reference to Gilas' inability to tie the game at the crucial juncture.

Earlier, the Philippines also had a chance to win against Croatia, but couldn't convert in the final play of regulation. That allowed the Croats to take the game in overtime.

That earlier defeat seemed to be at the top of Reyes' head soon after the Philippines' loss to Argentina.

"We had a chance to win the Croatia game. We had a chance tonight. But I just couldn’t get my players good shots," said Reyes. — JST, GMA News/Photo courtesy of FIBA