Strong Group registers debut win in Dubai Tournament

NO BETTER WAY to start a revenge tour, as the Strong Group Athletics registered their first win in a fiery third quarter run against the UAE National Team, 82-66, in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championships.

At the outset of the game, Strong Group was clearly in the dark as they attempted to figure out each other’s strategies. Dwight Howard scores the first basket with a short stab jumper, followed by a Kevin Quiambao corner three.

McKenzie Moore was also staging a show, shattering ankle after ankle. This then lit up the audience in a venue that turned into MOA Arena/Araneta Coliseum, as it was packed with Filipino fans roaring on the country club. 

However, the UAE National Team was firing on all cylinders, getting off to a fast start in terms of shooting behind the three-point line, making three-pointers one after the other, as the first quarter finished tied at 22.

Strong Group, on the other hand, maintained a high level of intensity by attacking the hoop every time they had possession, giving them a narrow 33-30 lead at 5:42 in the second quarter.

Before the second quarter ended, the local SGA players came to life. Justine Baltazar, Jordan Heading, and Quiambao scored nine straight points collectively.

Photo Courtesy: UAE Basketball Association | Facebook

Notably, the UAE squad was able to maintain striking distance thanks to their streaky shooting. Despite this, the Philippine club squad maintained a modest lead at halftime, 46-40. 

During the third quarter, Strong Group was already ahead of pace as they began to find their rhythm. 

With 4:50 left in the third quarter, Quiambao nailed back-to-back three-pointers to increase their advantage and inspire the team, which finished third 64-49.

The Philippine club squad never looked back, building the greatest lead of 21 points halfway through the fourth quarter. 

The home team had one final fight in them, going on a 12-2 run in the final stretch to cut Strong Group’s 21-point lead to 11, but they ultimately fell short against Andre Roberson and company.

Photo Courtesy: UAE Basketball Association | Facebook

Andre Roberson led the second-half scoring with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Dwight Howard, the fan favorite, played in the first two quarters, scoring 14 points, including a spectacular dunk late in the second.

Quiambao backed up these imports with 13 points, shot 5-of-8 from the field, and hit three key treys to cap Strong Group’s third-quarter run.

Except for Andray Blatche, all of the Filipino club team players were able to register a single point. The former Gilas star appeared to be out of shape and struggling to find his rhythm.

Despite giving the Philippine team a late scare with their hot shooting, UAE ace guard Hamid Abdullateef’s game-high 19 points on a losing effort, as he couldn’t help the hosts win.

The Strong Group Athletics will meet Syria’s Al Wahda Sports Club on Saturday at 9:15 p.m. (Manila time). With the level of play on their first night, SGA proved that they are a team capable of winning this event.