Strong Group-Pilipinas took care of business before facing the home teams.
Strong Group romped past Japan’s Under-22 national team, securing a 92-79 victory to extend its streak to six and secure a top two finish in the 2024 William Jones Cup on Friday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei, Taiwan.
The duo of Chris McCullough and DJ Fenner powered Strong Group’s breakaway in the second quarter, scoring 21 of the Athletics’ 32 points in the quarter to turn a 22-18 lead into a 54-36 cushion.
McCullough, a former San Miguel import, finished with 26 points and seven rebounds in 27 minutes of action, while Fil-Am Fenner added 17 points in 17 minutes.
Jordan Heading also continued his stellar play in the nine-day meet, firing 11 points on two triples.
With Rhenz Abando (hand), Angelo Kouame (knee), and Tajuan Agee (illness) out, the young guns of the team were given the opportunity to shine as well.
Geo Chiu, who is bound for Japan after the tournament, produced eight points and seven rebounds.
Tony Ynot and Allen Liwag of Saint Benilde scored four points each, with Liwag also grabbing seven boards.
Titing Manalili also played four minutes in the game.
Strong Group will enter the weekend with a top-two finish already locked up.
Standing in their way for the championship are the two home teams, with them facing Chinese-Taipei White on Saturday before facing Team A on Sunday.
Japan, which fell to 3-3, was led by the 18 points of Hiyuu Ozawa.
The Scores:
Strong Group 92 – McCullough 26, Fenner 17, Heading 11, Ravena 9, Chiu 8, Abarrientos 5, Tiongson 4, Ynot 4, Ildefonso 2, Manalili 2.
Japan U22 79 – Ozawa 17, Harper 10, Sato 10, Saeki 10, Kibayashi 9, Sakai 6, Hasegawa 5, Kurokawa 3, Buto 3, Watanabe 2, Arai 2, Arai 2.
Quarterscores: 22-18, 54-36, 70-54, 92-79
