THE ROAD to redemption is far from over, as Strong Group Athletics (SGA) advanced to the semifinals of the 34th Dubai International Championship with a decisive victory over Al Sharjah Club. 

At the Al Nasr Club on Friday morning (Manila Time), the Frank Lao-owned basketball club stays unbeaten and has officially secured a spot back in the playoffs after defeating Al Sharjah 100-63.

After a few up and down games, with rust and inconsistency due to the presence of new players on the squad, Strong Group has now demonstrated what this club is capable of when comfortable. 

Keeping in mind the club team’s painful loss last season, where a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Lebanon’s Al Riyadi prevented them from winning the title in the same Dubai tournament.

Pure Dominance 

The Philippine-represent squad demonstrated dominance from the opening of the game. DeMarcus Cousins, Malachi Richardson, and Rhenz Abando got things started, and they led 31-16 at the end of the first quarter. 

Al Sharjah was able to trim the margin to single digits with more than 3:00 minutes remaining in the second quarter, thanks to a tough contest by their player that led to an open lay up at the other end.

However, SGA was able to re-establish a two-digit advantage because to Jason Brickman’s fastbreak lay, which was followed by Cousins’ massive fastbreak slam, to conclude the quarter 49-37.

Just when the opposing club thought that the second half could be a fresh start for them, Strong Group cruised to a 75-51 third quarter finish, behind Cousins’ dominance inside the paint, and all-around efforts of the locals.

From then on, SGA never looked back and simply proved to be the better team, cruising to a 25-12 fourth quarter output to secure the dominating 100-63 victory. 

No Surprise

Former NBA All-Star Cousins will lead SGA’s redemption mission, along with ex-PBA champion import Chris McCullough, who led the Philippine club to the William Jones Cup triumph last year. 

Cousins concluded the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while McCullough, who has led the club in recent games, had 20 points, six rebounds, and two assists.

Along with two NBA players, there is a local who had a productive night and helped lead the squad back to the semifinals. Dave Ildefonso and Mikey Williams lead the locals with 11 points each. 

Meanwhile, Nicholas West led the opposing squad with 19 points, and Dequan Jones, a former NBA player and PBA import for the NLEX Road Warriors, scored 18 points in a losing effort. 

Strong Group’s impressive victory secured their semifinal berth, where they will face Tunisia’s national basketball team on Saturday, February 1.