Hong Kong lose to superior US Fukienese Association in semi-finals
Hosts could not match Americans who held the advantage with superior height and power
Hong Kong suffered their first defeat in the Super Kung Sheung Cup after losing to Southern California Fukienese Association of the United States in the semi-finals at Queen Elizabeth Stadium last night.
The hosts were outclassed in every department by the Americans, who easily won 98-72 to set up a clash against Guangxi Weizhuang, of China, in today's final.
The two teams faced off in the group stage when the mainlanders prevailed 95-83 after extra time. Weizhuang beat Singapore 58-50 in the other semi-final.
It was difficult as they pressed us hard throughout the match, so we couldn't play our normal game
Only shooting guard Lee Ki was able to keep up with the standard of their powerful opponents, who totally dominated the game with their strong physique and height.
"They didn't work well as a unit, but they beat you because of their individual height and power," said Lee, who was Hong Kong's top scorer, notching 25 points last night, including five three-pointers.
"It was difficult as they pressed us hard throughout the match, so we couldn't play our normal game and the Americans were shooting on target today. After all, it was our fourth game in five days and we were running out of steam."
Cheng Kam-hing was Hong Kong's second-best scorer, netting 13 points while 2.05-metre centre forward Duncan Reid scored 10 points after losing his advantage in the rebound to the visitors. Six American players scored in double digits, headed by Robert Curtis' 23 points.
