Not wanting to leave anything to chance, Mighty Sports-Go For Gold Philippines still played their A-game, romping host Chinese-Taipei Blue, 97-74, Saturday evening at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
Not only is this Mighty Sports’ 15th straight win in the annual tourney but it also clinched the Philippines’ sixth William Jones Cup trophy — two for the touring club.
Renaldo Balkman imposed his will early, scoring eight of his 21 points in the opening frame to give Mighty Sports a 10-point edge.
Roosevelt Adams and Eugene Phelps then linked up in the second stanza while Balkman continued his way in the third canto as the lead of the HealthCube-backed squad only grew and grew.
Mighty Sports’ lead would grow to as high as 26 points, 83-57, after a windmill jam by Phelps.
Phelps had 17 points and nine boards while Adams added 13 markers.
Mikey Williams and Jeremiah Gray chipped in eight markers each as each player fielded by Charles Tiu scored.
Chinese-Taipei Blue, who fell to a game behind South Korea heading into the final day of competition for second, was led by Chen Ying-Chun’s 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Lee Chi-Wei added 13 markers.
Mighty Sports will now go for a sweep when it takes on Chinese-Taipei White on Sunday, July 21 at 5:00 pm.
The Scores:
Mighty Sports 97 – Balkman 21, Phelps 17, Adams 13, Moore 10, Gray 8, Williams 8, Yeo 6, Graham 4, Banal 3, Black 3, Brickman 2, N’Diaye 2.
Chinese-Taipei Blue 74 – Chen 19, Lee C 13, Florveus 8, Chou 7, Hu 7, Chou 5, Liu 4, Kuo 3, Wen 2, Lee W 0, Su 0.
Quarterscores: 24-14, 50-32, 72-49, 97-74.
