Strong Group asserted its dominance in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship with a commanding 95-73 triumph over Beirut Sports Club on Wednesday morning at Al Nasr Club.
This marks the fourth consecutive victory for the Philippine powerhouse and is just one win away from sweeping Group B.
The Athletics take on Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli on Thursday morning (Manila time).
Leading the charge for Strong Group was Kevin Quiambao, who showcased his scoring prowess with a game-high 20 points and added four rebounds to his impressive stat line.
However, the victory was not without its challenges.
In a twist of fate, JD Cagulangan, who is celebrating his birthday, suffered an apparent ankle injury at the 9:23-mark of the fourth quarter, dampening the otherwise stellar performance.
Cagulangan, who had been delivering his best game of the tournament with 12 points and six assists in just 17 minutes of play, was forced to sit out for the remainder of the game.
Undeterred by the setback, Strong Group’s leading protagonists stepped up to the plate.
McKenzie Moore, with 19 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, along with Jordan Heading (15 points) and Dwight Howard (11 points, nine rebounds), ensured a well-rounded team effort that solidified their dominance on the court.
The path to victory was paved with a blistering 32-point first quarter, with Quiambao setting the tone by firing nine of his 20 points within the opening ten minutes.
As the trio of Moore, Cagulangan, and Heading found their rhythm, Strong Group built a formidable 27-point lead before Beirut mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 13 with eight minutes left in the game.
In a testament to their depth, Strong Group’s second unit rose to the occasion, sealing the victory with a dominant display.
Francis Escandor delivered the finishing touches with a pair of late three-pointers, securing a resounding win for Strong Group.
Sergio El Darwich led Beirut with 28 points while Ali Haidar and Dar Tucker combined for 29 points in the losing effort.
The Scores:
Strong Group 95 – Quiambao 20, Moore 19, Heading 15, Cagulangan 12, Howard 11, Escandor 6, Blatche 3, Liwag 3, Baltazar 2, Roberson 2, Sanchez 2, Ynot 0.
Beirut 73 – El Darwich 28, Haidar 15, Tucker 14, Saleh 8, Rabay 3, Ghudwin 3, Mahmoud 2, Martinez 0, Mechref 0, Abdelmassih 0, Mezher 0, Jarrouj 0.
Quarterscores: 32-20, 58-40, 75-56, 95-73.
