Batang Gilas had a gallant stand before succumbing to Argentina, 71-74, to end its group stage campaign without a win in the FIBA World Cup U17 tournament Wednesday at the Newell’s Old Boys gym in Rosario, Argentina.

After trailing by as many as 11 points, the Nationals stormed back to steal the lead as Terrence Fortea banged in a trey early in the fourth period, 64-61.

The home team quickly responded with an 11-2 blast to erect a 72-66 lead with only three minutes left.

Fortea nailed another triple to pull the Nationals closer, 71-74, with only 27 seconds left. Unfortunately, Kai Sotto muffed a potential equalizer as time expires.

Gerry Abadiano and Fortea spearheaded the attack with 17 points apiece while Sotto tallied 12 points and 15 rebounds for Batang Gilas, who did an impressive job keeping the game close from start to finish.

With the setback, Batang Gilas fell to the basement with no win in three matches following sorry losses to Croatia and France in the first few days of this prestigious competition.

The Nationals, however, will still march to the Round of 16, where the world’s no. 2 squad in Canada is waiting.

The win-or-go home match is set at 12:45 am (Manila time) Thursday.