Strong Group 5 nears group sweep

MANILA, Philippines — Strong Group moved on the cusp of a group sweep after walloping listless Al Wahda of Syria, 87-61, in the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship yesterday at the Al Nasr Club Hall.

Like in their first two games, ex-NBA gunner Shabazz Muhammad led the onslaught with 37 points and 11 rebounds as Strong Group stayed immaculate in three matches in Group A.

Muhammad, the 14th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, was on target from the get go in anchoring Strong Group’s 22-9 start en route to a coast-to-coast victory. The wards of coach Chris Tiu led by as many as 29 points for a third win after beating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team, 91-87, and Libya’s Al Nasr, 93-76.

“Shabazz carried us offensively. He was great so we kept riding him but the defense was solid today and I am happy,” said Tiu, who also steered Mighty Sports to the Dubai title in 2020.

Former SMB reinforcement Renaldo Balkman added nine markers and 11 boards while Fil-Am Sedrick Barefield and Jerom Lastimosa threw in 10 points apiece.

But more than yet another balanced attack, Tiu was more delighted in the defensive clinic displayed by his charges after limiting Al Wahda to its lowest output in the nine-team tourney.

“We have been improving every game and this was our best defensive performance,” added Tiu as Al Wahda remained winless at 0-3.

The Philippine contingent, owned by former Ateneo guard and Converge assistant manager in the PBA Jacob Lao with support from Mighty Sports and Acrocity, sports a handsome chance to wipe out Group A against Lebanon’s Dynamo today.

Dynamo is also unbeaten in three games after wins over Al Wahda, 95-75, UAE, 103-68, and Al Nasr, 101-87.