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 their controversial semifinal loss to Tunisia.
The Filipino squad, led by head coach Charles Tiu, saw their championship hopes dashed after a heartbreaking 68-63 defeat to Tunisia in the early hours of Sunday (Philippine time).
Strong Group voiced its frustration over multiple non-calls throughout the game, including a crucial no-call in the dying seconds when Rhenz Abando appeared to be fouled on a potential game-tying three-point attempt.
“With just 4.4 seconds left on the clock, our standout Rhenz Abando launched a potential game-tying three-pointer but was clearly bodied from behind by Tunisian big man Mokhtar Ghyaza,” Strong Group’s official statement read.
“Despite the obvious contact, the referees failed to call a foul, effectively sealing Tunisia’s victory and ending our championship hopes.”
Trailing by as many as 16 points in the third quarter, Strong Group fought back valiantly behind the efforts of DeMarcus Cousins, Chris McCullough, and Mikey Williams.
A late Williams three-pointer cut the deficit to just two, 65-63, with 1:02 left.
A turnover on the next Tunisian possession gave the Philippine club a golden opportunity to tie or take the lead, but McCullough missed back-to-back shots in the ensuing play.
Omar Abada’s free throw extended Tunisia’s lead to three, setting up Abando’s final attempt in the closing seconds.
However, what appeared to be clear contact by Tunisian big man Mokhtar Ghyaza on his shot attempt went uncalled, leaving Strong Group no chance to force overtime.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Strong Group, which also suffered a last-second heartbreak in last year’s final against Al-Riyadi.
This time, Tunisian forward Radhouane Slimane proved to be their tormentor, pouring in a game-high 23 points, including 12 in the second quarter to spearhead Tunisia’s breakaway.
Cousins led Strong Group with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while McCullough also added 18, but both struggled with efficiency, shooting just 36 percent combined from the field.
Williams chipped in six points, while Jason Brickman had seven points and six assists.
Strong Group emphasized that their withdrawal from the bronze medal match was a stand for officiating accountability and fairness in international basketball.
“Our decision not to play in the third-place match is not just about one game—it is about advocating for officiating that upholds the spirit of sportsmanship and ensures that all teams are given a fair chance to compete,” the statement continued.
