MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas lost for the second straight time in the ongoing 24th Dubai International Basketball Tournament, succumbing to Sporting Amarex 75-65, Tuesday at the Al-Ahli Gym in Dubai.

“Tried hard, but (Darrin) Dorsey and (Alpha) Bangura just too good, too experienced for our kids,” national team head coach Chot Reyes tweeted after the game. “But we fought til the end.”

Tried hard, but Dorsey & Bangura just 2 good, 2 experienced for our kids. But we fought til d end.Now we need 2 beat Sagesse 4 d final 4.

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 14, 2013

The national team opened the tournament on a high note after booking a 79-77 victory over Lebanese team Mouttahed.

But they were routed by local Dubai club Al-Ahli, 97-82, in their second game.

Quarterfinal game vs Sagesse of Lebanon on Thurs, time TBA.

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) January 14, 2013

Gilas finished the classification stage with a 1-2 record and will play Lebanese club Segesse in the quarterfinals.