Strong Group Athletics' late rally in the fourth quarter fell short after a 63-68 loss to the Tunisia national team in the semifinal of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club early Sunday.

This is the first time Strong Group didn't make it to a final after last year's stint.

Down 54-65 with three minutes left in the fourth quarter, four-time National Besketball Association All-Star DeMarcus Cousin's putback shot sparked an 8-0 run for the Filipinos to trim the lead to two.

Omar Abada then split his two free throws to give the Tunisians a three-point lead, 66-63, with 17 seconds left on the clock.

Rhenz Abando's three-point attempt with nine ticks left fell short after he was pushed by Mohamed Mokhtar Ghayaza but got no foul.

Radhouane Slimane calmly sank two free throws in the dying seconds to seal the game.

Slimane led the Tunisians with 24 points and six rebounds while Abada had 14 points, five boards, and five assists.

Cousins and McCullough had 18 points each as Strong Group bows out of contention.