NT Press Release
Panthers bow to Hong Kong, 92-80
The Pilipinas Panthers played valiantly against 6th seed Hong Kong, going toe to toe in the first three quarters before collapsing in the fourth quarter, 92-80.
The Panthers had no answer to the backcourt tandem of Poon Po Tsang and Ho Yixiao, who scored a combined 57 points. The issue, however, is the Panthers’ ability to convert three-point shots. “We have to make those shots. Had we made one third of the shots we attempted from behind the arc, we will not be having this conversation”, coach Morwood said after the game. The Pilipinas Panthers finished the game with a 0-11 clip from behind the three-point line.
Point guard Paul Emery was noticeably silent after the loss. He answered a couple of questions, before leaving the venue. “I am accountable with what happened today. I will do better”, the flashy point guard said. He eventually redeemed himself, torching the Mabalacat Tribes with 56 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks in 29 minutes of playing time. The Panthers’ loss tonight gives Hong Kong a high probability of leading Pool C by the end of the first round.
Team Pilipinas is slated to play against 96th seed Pakistan.