Gilas Youth, which lost a to Argentina on Monday, will seek at least a win when it returns to action on Wednesday in the 2019 Fiba Under-19 World Cup.
The Gilas Pilipinas Youth team have been winless in two games in Group C of the ongoing tournament in Heraklion, Greece.
The Philippines will meet world No. 19 Russia for its final assignment in Group C.
They will miss the 6’6” AJ Edu, the Fil-Nigerian center who suffered a torn ACL and meniscus on his right knee.
Edu injured his knee while going for a drive at the 7:57 mark of the first quarter in Gilas Youth’s opener against host Greece on Sunday.
The Philippine youth squad has since lost to Greece, 85-69, and Argentina, 77-72,
Without Edu, Philippine coach Sandy Arespacochaga will have to do with three big men, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, and Geo Chiu.
The trio are now the only ones manning the frontline.
Argentina, which has won its opener with an 86-84 overtime over Russia, is looking to sweep Group C.
The Argentines, led by Lucas Reyes after he finished with 15 points and 5 assists against the Philippines, will take on hosts Greece.
Should Argentines win, they will take the qualifying slot after earning first place in the group.