The duo of Rhenz Abando and RJ Abarrientos shined for Strong Group on Tuesday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.
Two-thirds of the trio known as the ‘Samgyup Gang’ turned the tide of the game in the third quarter, leading to a dominant 78-52 win for Strong Group over Malaysia, pushing their record to 4-0 in the 43rd William Jones Cup.
Abando had a standout performance with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal, while Abarrientos contributed nine points, 12 assists, and two steals.
With the duo providing the spark, Strong Group overcame a 46-47 deficit midway through the third quarter, turning it into a 59-48 lead by the end of the frame.
From there, Strong Group maintained control, holding Malaysia to just four points in the final quarter, handing the Harimau their first loss in the nine-day tournament.
Chris McCullough added 16 points and five rebounds for Strong Group, while Tajuan Agee managed 12 points and seven rebounds despite a game marred by errors.
Fil-Am DJ Fenner also had a strong game with 10 points.
In the upcoming days, Strong Group will face Future Sports USA, Japan’s U22 team, and both Chinese-Taipei squads.
Malaysia was led by John Wesley Murry’s 25 points, while former Ateneo Blue Eagle Joseph Obasa contributed 13 points and six rebounds.
The Scores:
Strong Group 78 – McCullough 16, Abando 14, Fenner 10, Agee 10, Abarrientos 9, Kouame 7, Ildefonso 5, Heading 4, Ravena 3, Chiu 0.
Malaysia 52 – Murry 25, Obasa 13, Bosango 6, Kai Chiak 3, Wong 3, Kuek 2, Ting 2, De 0, Lee JK 0, Ragu 0, Lee JH 0, Chang 0.
Quarterscores: 21-11, 46-40, 59-48, 78-52.
