SGA trounces Jordanian squad for perfect elims bid; Valientes bow out

MANILA, Philippines -- Strong, indeed.

The Strong Group Athletics (SGA) finished the elimination round of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship unscathed after keeping Amman United Club - Jordan at bay, 84-75, early Thursday morning (Manila time).

SGA started hot and fended off a spirited run by their opponents in the fourth quarter to close out the eliminations with a 4-0 slate.

Malachi Richardson starred for the Philippine-based squad with 24 points. Chris McCullough added 19 markers, eight boards and five dimes to go with three steals.

SGA waxed hot early on, hitting back-to-back-to-back 3-pointers to start the game and set the tone.

They were able to grab a 12-point lead, 16-4, in the first, but Amman sliced the lead to five, 15-20.

The Jordanian squad was able to move within three points, 30-33, and was well within striking distance in the next frames.

They trailed by five, 42-47, in the third, before a massive 13-5 run turned it to a 60-47 advantage for SGA.

This tipped the momentum toward the side of the Filipino squad as it led by as much as 17 points, 70-53, after a slam by Rhenz Abando.

Abando chipped in 12 points and two rebounds for SGA, while Mikey Williams added seven.

Fadi Mustafa powered Amman with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Kevin Allen backstopped with 14.

SGA will now head into the quarterfinal round of the tourney and will face Sharjah SC early Friday morning (Manila time) in a knockout contest.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes bowed out of the tournament winless after absorbing a 36-point drubbing against the Tunisian National Team, 95-59.

Wassef Methnani paced Tunisia with 17 points and five rebounds, while Omar Abada had 15 markers, five dimes and four boards for the victors, who led by as much as 42 points.

Sam Deguara carried the load offensively once again with 16 points and 12 rebounds but had a game-worst +- of -38. Nic Cabanero chipped in 14 points while Prince Caperal had 13.

This ended the Valientes’ season, with the team losing all four elimination round games.