Dwight Howard and Andre Roberson showed their pedigree, leading Strong Group Athletics to an impressive 82-66 victory over host United Arab Emirates on Saturday morning (Manila time).
The win marks an impressive start to the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Roberson, known for his defensive skills cultivated during his prime years with Oklahoma City, contributed significantly off the bench.
He recorded 15 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Howard – a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-NBA First Team member – was dominant with 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals in just under 20 minutes of play.
With these two ex-NBA pros at the forefront, Strong Group Athletics joined the ranks of opening-day winners alongside defending champion Al Riyadi, Al Nasr, and Al Ahly.
The local talent from the Philippines also played a crucial role in the victory.
Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao contributed 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. He also made pivotal plays in the third quarter that allowed Strong Group to widen their lead.
The team’s lead reached its peak at 72-51 with seven minutes remaining, courtesy of an Allen Liwag short stab, much to the delight of the Filipino community in Dubai.
Jordan Heading contributed eight points and five rebounds, while Justine Baltazar added four points, six rebounds, and three steals.
Every player on the 12-man Strong Group roster contributed, except for former Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Andray Blatche, who failed to score despite playing 23 minutes.
Blatche missed all 10 of his field goal attempts, including seven from beyond the arc. He also struggled from the free-throw line.
The UAE national team’s top performer, Hamid Abdullateef, registered 19 points and two blocks.
Strong Group Athletics faces Syrian club Al Wahda in its second game within a span of three days on Saturday.
The Scores:
Strong Group (82) – Roberson 15, Howard 14, Quiambao 13, Moore 11, Heading 8, Ynot 5, Sanchez 4, Baltazar 4, Liwag 4, Cagulangan 2, Escandor 2, Blatche 0.
UAE (66) – Abdullateef 19, Dickerson 13, Alshabibi 12, Alameeri 12, Alsawan 4, Ashour 3, Mbaye 2, Hussein 1, Ayman 0, Al Nuaimi 0, Ahmad 0.
Quarterscores: 22-22, 46-40, 64-49, 82-66.
