BOCAUE — Gilas Pilipinas put up a spirited effort but lost steam in the end to fall to Dominican Republic, 81-87 in a historic yet bittersweet FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 opener at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

Bannered by Minnesota Timberwolves all-star Karl-Anthony Towns who tallied 26 points and 10 rebounds, the Caribbean nation fought toe to toe against the World Cup co-hosts before pulling away in the fourth quarter with key baskets and stops.