The Philippines bowed to Greece 85-69, but the Gilas Youth squad could have lost more after big man AJ Edu apparently injured his knee in the FIBA Under 19 World Cup in the port city of Heraklion on Saturday.

Edu needed to be carried off the floor 2:03 into the game at Heraklion Indoor Sports Arena after what looked like a collision between him and Greece guard Nikolaos Arsenopoulos led to Edu falling to the floor and grimacing in pain.

Edu did not return. His injury status could not be confirmed at the time this story was posted.

Prayers up for AJ Edu, who isn't expected return to the game due to his knee injury barely 2 minutes into the first frame, but gotta love the fight in Gilas Youth U19, trailing by just 1 pt at the half.#FIBAU19WC

— Enzo Flojo (@hoopnut) June 29, 2019

The incident didn't faze the visitors, though, as they erected a 10-point lead, with forward Dalph Panopio's 2 free throws making it 22-12.

But Greece cut the deficit to 27-20 at the end of the first quarter, before launching a 17-2 run in a matter of 5 minutes and 30 seconds to go ahead 37-29.

The Filipinos regained the driver's seat, 49-48, on a 3-pointer by guard Terrence Fortea midway through the third, but the hosts took the lead back thanks to a triple by forward Periklis Bazinas.

Even though the Greeks never relinquished the lead from that point, head coach Sandy Arespacochaga and co. stayed within a manageable distance.

The game wasn't decided until the final minute when Greece went up by double digits.

Kai Sotto played 30 minutes, scoring 13 points, and registering 10 rebounds and 3 blocks, all team-highs for Gilas Youth.

Guard Gerry Abadiano added 13 points and 3 3-pointers, while forward Sean Ildefonso contributed 12 points for the Filipinos.

Gilas Youth next plays Argentina on Sunday (early Monday morning, Manila).

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