Alas Pilipinas Men. Photo from AVC website

Alas Pilipinas could not secure a better finish in this year's iteration of the AVC Challenge Cup for Men.

The national team concluded their campaign in 10th place—same as last year—after falling to defending champion Thailand in four sets, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 20-25, in the ninth-place match on Friday at the Isa Sport City in Bahrain.

The Sergio Veloso-mentored squad could not bank on the momentum they gained after winning against a youthful Indonesian roster on Wednesday night in the classification round.

READ: Espejo fires 20 as Alas Pilipinas Men enter win column in AVC Challenge Cup

READ: Alas Pilipinas Men fall to China in AVC Challenge Cup

Marck Espejo paced the losing cause with 16 points anchored on 15 attacks and an ace, while Jade Disquitado chipped in 14 markers for Alas offense.

For the winning side, Thailand was not able to defend its title after getting relegated to the ninth-place match.

The Thais finished 0-2 in Pool B action after absorbing defeats dealt by Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

However, they ended their campaign on a high behind Khonhan Amornthep's 30-point explosion against the Filipinos.

READ: Alas Pilipinas absorbs sweep against Bahrain, relegated to classification bouts