Hong Kong dethrones RP-Lhuillier

HONG KONG — No Super Kung Sheung Heyuan Cup for the Philippines-Cebuana Lhuillier this time. Only valuable lessons that the team need before the ABC tournament in China next month and the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam in December.

Against host Hong Kong, the Philippines tried its best — but failed — to retain the title, losing 68-80 in their winner-take-all title showdown before a big crowd at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium here Sunday.

Unable to keep pace with their taller and quicker opponents, the Filipinos fell behind by as many as 24 points, 40-64, halfway through the third period and spent the rest of the way struggling to find a decent shot against the Hongkongites’ impregnable defense.

"Talo talaga. The boys tried their best, but the lead was too big to overcome in the end," said RP-Cebuana Lhuillier head coach Aric del Rosario.

"But this is a good experience for the team especially for the ABC and SEA Games," added Del Rosario.