Cebuana RP five trips Thais

HONG KONG – Two down, two to go for the Philippines.

Exactly 24 hours after demolishing long-time rival Malaysia, the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippines played just hard enough to beat upset-conscious Thailand, 77-69, and move within two wins of formally retaining the title in the 12th Super Kung Sheung Huyan Cup basketball tournament at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium here Thursday.

Boosted by the presence of a large, flag-waving Filipino delegation, the Filipinos made the baskets that mattered most during the 40-minute encounter and came away with their second win in as many days in Group A of the event. in this short, week-long tournament featuring six countries.

Former Tanduay Rhum mainstay Ricky Calimag stood at the helm of the Filipinos’ balanced offensive show, scoring 18 points on a respectable 8-of-14 field goal shooting (57 percent) and 2-of-2 free throw shooting (100 percent) in 32 minutes on the floor.

Gary David, Jean Marc Pingris and Celino Cruz also finished in double figures for the Southeast Asian Games-bound national team of multi-titles coach Aric del Rosario and assistant coaches Dong Vergeire, Boy Ong and Lester del Rosario.

"A win is a win, I’ll take it anytime," said Del Rosario, referring to the team’s modest nine-point winning margin over the Thais, whom they soundly defeated (83-56) in the SEABA tournament only several ago/