The Gilas Pilipinas national team could not make it two wins in a row as it faltered against world no. 37 Senegal, 72-64, in the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China on Friday night.

Gilas now has a 1-1 win-loss card in the tournament serving as the nationals’ final preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup later this month in the Philippines.

With Senegal holding a slim lead at the end of the third period, AJ Edu continued to flex his might as the young big man unleashed back-to-back baskets for Gilas to retake the advantage, 57-56.

Chris Newsome and June Mar Fajardo then sank two freebies each but they continued to trail Senegal, 63-61. The momentum suddenly swung to the opposing camp’s side courtesy of a 7-0 run capped by a huge three-pointer, 70-61.

Fajardo was able to cut the deficit to seven, 70-63, after imposing his will on the paint. But the Philippines ran out of time to split their first two games at the pocket tournament.