Jeremiah Gray catches fire as Mighty Sports romps UBC in prelude to SoKor showdown

Not wanting to let up before their anticipated showdown with South Korea, Mighty Sports-Go for Gold Philippines blasted the hapless University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, 116-87, Monday afternoon Changhua Gym in Taipei.

After going scoreless against Japan B yesterday, Jeremiah Gray vented his ire on the young Canadian squad, firing 25 points built on 6-of-8 shooting from deep while tallying six rebounds, and four assists.

And the 22-year-old swingman was pivotal in the game-breaking third canto, scoring 11 of Mighty Sports’ 33 points to give the Philippine-side an imposing 98-58 lead heading into the final frame.

The team that is also backed by HealthCube though figured in a slow start, falling behind 11-18 early and 26-27 to end the opening salvo.

Gray and Renaldo Balkman though connived, combining for 22 points in the second stanza while pinning the Thunderbirds to just nine points.

Mighty Sports led by as much as 42 points in the game, 103-61, after Angelo Wongchuking’s alley-oop to Hamady N’Diaye, cruising to their fourth win in as many games.

Balkman followed up his birthday show last Sunday with 22 points on a perfect 8-of-8 clip to go along with nine rebounds, six assists, and four blocks. Eugene Phelps added 22 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

N’Diaye also had to step up his game as MacKenzie Moore was out due to an injury while Zach Graham played just limited minutes. He had 15 markers.

Mikey Williams also continued his blistering start, knocking down three triples to raise his tally to 12 treys in four games.

UBC, who is using this tournament to prepare for their U Sports campaign later in the year, was led by Taylor Browne and Patrick Simon. Both Canadians had 25 points each.

Filipino-Canadian guard Jack Cruz-Dumont had eight points for the Thunderbirds, who fell to 0-4.

Mighty Sports will face the South Korean Basketball Team next on Tuesday, July 16 at 5:00 pm.

The Scores:

Mighty Sports 116 – Gray 25, Balkman 22, Phelps 20, N’Diaye 15, Williams 9, Yeo 7, Banal 7, Adams 4, Graham 3, Black 2, Wongchuking 2, Brickman 0.

University of British Columbia 87 – Browne 25, Simon 25, Shepard 14, Cruz-Dumont 8, Rosebush 5, Audu 5, Bourcier 3, Wallack 2, Morrison 0, Familia 0, Clair 0.

Quarterscores: 26-27, 65-36, 98-58, 116-87.