HIROSHIMA -- By his own estimation, Eduardo "Ed" Cota has hit rock bottom as a basketball player.
The former University of North Carolina point guard had a look of disgust on his face after Panama's 81-63 loss to Germany in their FIBA World Championship Group B game on Thursday.
"It's the lowest point of my basketball career," said Cota, who had a quiet game (two points on 1-for-5 shooting, two rebounds and one assist).
Translated into any language, Cota's body language revealed this: Losing is, and should be, heartbreaking.
To be sure, Cota's teammates were ineffective when it mattered, too.
The Germans opened the second half on a 16-0 spurt, spoiling Panama's strong first-half effort. That put Dirk Nowitzki and Co. in cruise control the rest of the way.
Panama fell to 0-4 in Group B and must play one more game Thursday against New Zealand to conclude its dismal week at worlds. Germany (3-1) is now tied with Angola in the standings. The teams meet up today to determine which team nabs the No. 2 seed from the group for the final 16 in Saitama.
Nowitzki said he hasn't had time to think ahead to Thursday's game plan, but trusts German coach Dirk Bauermann will decide what will be the proper tactics.
Panama started the game on a positive note, trailing 17-15 after one quarter and entering the break up 38-37.