JUNEMAR Fajardo of Gilas Pilipinas scores an easy basket over Thon Maker of Australia during the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier last night at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. ROMAN PROSPERO Batang Gilas had a strong start, but faded down the stretch to absorb a sorry 54-95 setback to France in the second day of the FIBA U17 World Cup Monday at the Newell’s Old Boys gym in Rosario, Argentina.

Fresh from a bitter 75-97 setback to Croatia in the opener, the Nationals appeared headed for a close fight as it hung on within striking distance from the Frenchmen, 32-38, in the second period.

But Frances was just warming up as it unloaded a telling 13-2 bomb to capture a 51-34 lead in the opening minutes of the third period.

Even worst, 7-foot-1 Kai Sotto was slapped with his fourth foul midway in the third quarter, reducing him into a mere spectator as the Frenchmen dropped another back-breaking 35-13 blast to erect a comfortable 73-45 lead entering the final period.

That run appeared to be the knockout punch as France took it slow in en route to a massive 41-point victory.

With the win, France shares the Group D lead with Croatia with a 2-0 slate while the Philippines and host Argentina have yet to post a single win entering their crucial clash on Wednesday.

European Most Valuable Player and top NBA prospect Killian Hayes and Theo Maledon delivered 14 points apiece for France, which won the FIBA Europe U16 Championship last year.

Meanwhile, Carl Tamayo took the cudgels for the embattled Batang Gilas squad as he posted 19 points and 10 rebounds while Gerry Abadiano, who knocked down the basket that gave the Filipinos their first and only lead in the match, chipped in 17 points.

After posting 23 points and 12 rebounds in their setback to Croatia, Sotto struggled with just seven points and six rebounds before fouling out midway through the fourth period.