Argentina was in for the game of their lives as they took on the Philippines, 85-81, in the FIBA World Cup.

Julio Lamas, the head coach of Argentina, said it was the most uncomfortable game he ever had to coach.

While Lamas has decades of experience and three Argentine league championships in his pocket, he was still visibly baffled by the playing style of the Philippines.

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He comments that the style of the Filipinos is strange; one that they have never encountered before.

"But they play to their full potential," Lamas commented of the Philippine players.

The game was a close one.

In the first quarter, the Philippines was off to a hot start, leading by as much as 10 points, until Argentina hit its stride and took the lead for the half.

In the second half, the Philippines showed their grit. Jimmy Alapag, the smallest man on the court and point guard for the Philippines, cut the 15 point lead of Argentina with five straight three-pointers.

This brought 32^nd seed just one point away from the number three seed, the score at 81-82.

The Philippines needed one more three-point shot. Their natural instinct was to go to Alapag once more.

However, Alapag could not get free from of Facundo Campazzo, and ended up passing the ball to Jayson Castro who committed a double-touch violation.

With no time left, the Philippines' only option was to foul, giving NBA veteran Andres Nocioni, two free throws.

Despite the amazing performance of Alapag, he has commented that he will retire after the team's business in Spain.

He says that him stepping away from the game gives opportunities for other Filipino guards and be the building blocks needed to be back at international tournaments and win.

TagsFIBA World Cup, Julio Lamas, Argentina