The Philippine boys' national team had a rough start to the FIBA Under-17 World Cup, losing 97-75 to Croatia at Newell's Old Boys in Rosario city, Argentina on Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila time).

Kai Sotto finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds, playing a game-high 31 minutes for the Filipinos who were dominated by their European opponents in almost every department.

Croatia, ranked No. 10 in the world, 24 places higher than the Philippines, led 8-0 to open the game and didn't let Batang Gilas score until the 6:24 mark of the first quarter when point guard Terrence Fortea hit a 3-pointer.

The Philippines trailed 25-15 after the first and fell behind by as many as 32 points, 85-53, midway through the fourth.

Fortea registered 14 points and 4 3-pointers, while power forward Raven Cortez chipped in 13 points.

Forward and Batang Gilas first-timer Carl Tamayo contributed 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Forward Matej Rudan led Croatia with 16 points and 4 3-pointers.

The Filipinos, who booked a ticket to the Worlds after reaching the semifinals of the Asian qualifiers in April, committed 28 turnovers to Croatia's 16. That translated to a 30-11 advantage by Croatia in points off turnovers.

The only statistical bright spot for the Philippines was at the free-throw line, where Batang Gilas shot 21 of 32 (65.6%). Croatia made 9 of 14 (64.3%).

The Philippines next plays France Monday morning (Manila time).

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