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.