Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Strong Group sweeps elims, takes on Sharjah in Dubai quarters


Strong Group-Philippines completed a sweep of Group A in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship after overpowering Amman United, 84-75, on Thursday morning (Manila time) at Al Nasr Club.

The Athletics dominated the group phase, securing victories over UAE, Al Nasr, and Beirut First before closing out with another convincing win.

Strong Group now advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face Sharjah Sports Club on Friday at 1 a.m. (Manila time).

The winner of that matchup will take on either Tunisia or Amman United in the semifinals on Saturday.

“It was a great team win. Everyone stepped up and contributed, which is exactly what we need heading into the knockout rounds,” said head coach Charles Tiu.34th-Dubai-Strong-Group-vs-Amman-Malachi-Richardson Strong Group sweeps elims, takes on Sharjah in Dubai quarters Basketball News  - philippine sports news

Leading the charge for Strong Group was Malachi Richardson, who erupted for 24 points, draining six triples in the process.

Chris McCullough provided ample support with 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

Meanwhile, DeMarcus Cousins played limited minutes, logging just five minutes of action.

“I wanted to give DeMarcus some rest as we get ready for the playoffs. We’ll need him fresh for the crucial games ahead,” Tiu explained.

The Frank Lao-owned squad wasted no time asserting control, racing to a 16-4 lead in a wire-to-wire victory.

Strong Group maintained a double-digit cushion throughout, with every player contributing in their own way.34th-Dubai-Strong-Group-vs-Amman-Chris-McCullough Strong Group sweeps elims, takes on Sharjah in Dubai quarters Basketball News  - philippine sports news

Rhenz Abando added 12 points, while Mikey Williams chipped in seven.

Jason Brickman showcased his all-around game with six points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.

Ange Kouame also made an impact with six points and seven boards, while Dave Ildefonso tallied five points and four rebounds.

#ReadMore  Joshua Pacio acknowledges inevitable move to flyweight

Fadi Mustafa paced Amman United with 20 points in the loss.

The Scores:

Strong Group 84 – Richardson 24, McCullough 19, Abando 12, Williams 7, Brickman 6, Kouame 6, Ildefonso 5, Blatche 3, Cousins 2, Liwag 0, Ynot 0, Sanchez 0.

Amman United 75 – Mustafa 20, Sims 15, Allen 14, Alhamarsheh 10, Hawwas 6, Qarmash 4, Al Shiyyab 4, Albabeish 2.

Quarterscores: 23-15, 42-34, 66-53, 84-75.

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

For years, several collegiate sports programs in the Philippines found themselves struggling to remain competitive. The College of Saint Benilde Blazers were once a...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – Barangay Ginebra explored all options as it scampered for possible replacements given the uncertainty surrounding Justin Brownlee heading into Game 4 of...

3x3 Basketball

After years of striving to make their mark, the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 team has found a partner in Strong Group Athletics, which has...

ADMU

Eerily similar to the journey of women’s basketball athletes in the Philippines, Sabrina Ionescu’s rise to stardom in the WNBA and across the globe...

Basketball

Ilagan Isabela delivered a dominant fourth-quarter performance to rout Sarangani, 74-54, in the Manny Pacquiao Presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season on Saturday at their home...

CSB

The National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines has informed College of St. Benilde that head coach Jerry Yee will not be allowed to...

Basketball

Strong Group pulled out of the third-place game of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship, citing concerns over “equality and fairness in officiating” following...

Basketball

Strong Group-Philippines stormed into the semifinals of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship with a commanding 100-63 victory over Sharjah SC on Friday morning...

Advertisement