Strong Group-Philippines found its rhythm in its second game at the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship, defeating host team Al Nasr, 99-87, in front of a sold-out crowd at Al Nasr Club on Sunday morning (Manila time).
After struggling in their opening match against the UAE national team, Strong Group’s local players rose to the occasion.
Mikey Williams, a two-time PBA Finals MVP who was held scoreless in the first game, bounced back in spectacular fashion, scoring 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including an impressive 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.
“It was great to see Mikey and Dave step up and show what they bring to our team,” said head coach Charles Tiu. “This is definitely a good sign for things to come for us.”
Dave Ildefonso, a former Asian import for Suwon KT, added 13 points and four rebounds.
Jason Brickman contributed nine points and six assists, while Rhenz Abando chipped in seven points, three rebounds, and two blocks to round out the locals’ contributions.
Meanwhile, Zamboanga got a dose of reality to open its campaign, absorbing an 82-97 loss to Al Sharjah.
Strong Group led from start to finish, building an advantage as large as 27 points and maintaining control throughout the contest.
The Athletics shot an efficient 57% from the field, draining 14 three-pointers in a dominant performance.
Reigning William Jones Cup MVP Chris McCullough spearheaded the charge, delivering 31 points on an efficient 12-of-16 shooting and grabbing nine rebounds.
With contributions coming from all directions, marquee players Demarcus Cousins and Malachi Richardson enjoyed some well-deserved rest.
Cousins logged just 13 minutes of play, contributing eight points, while Richardson added another eight points.
“I’m happy we managed to keep the players’ minutes down,” Tiu noted as they will next face Amman on Tuesday, 1 a.m. (Manila time). “This tournament is a long one, and we’ll need everyone fresh for the games ahead.”
(C) UAE Basketball Association
The Valientes, on the other hand, led by as much as 15 points before crumbling in the second half.
Sam Deguara, the Maltese giant, got 16 points and 11 rebounds while Mike Tolomia added 14.
However, Adonis Thomas went just 6-of-15 from the field for 13 points.
Nicholas West showed the way for Al Sharjah with 30 points and nine rebounds while Dequan Jones added 29.
Harat Mohammed and Marvelle Harris led the charge for Al Nasr, scoring 34 and 30 points, respectively, but their efforts were not enough to overcome Strong Group’s firepower.
The Scores:
First Game:
Al Sharjah 97 – West 30, Jones 29, Asad 15, Gueye 11, Robertson 6, Alblooshi 3, Thani 3, Alhammadi 0, Ahmad 0, Al Midfa 0.
Zamboanga 82 – Deguara 16, Tolomia 14, Thomas 13, Padrigao 13, Caperal 11, Jimenez 7, Cadiz 4, Cabanero 3, Diouf 1, McCarthy 0, Lingganay 0.
Quarterscores: 19-30, 49-47, 70-62, 97-82.
Second Game:
Strong Group 99 – McCullough 31, Williams 16, Ildefonso 13, Brickman 9, Richardson 8, Cousins 8, Abando 7, Liwag 4, Kouame 2, Koon 1, Blatche 0, Ynot 0.
Al Nasr 87 – Mohammed 34, Harris 30, Ahmed 13, Khalfa 4, Ba 4, Albooshi 2, Petty 0.
Quarterscores: 21-17, 50-38, 73-61, 99-87.
