Strong Group overpowers UAE to open Dubai bid

MANILA, Philippines -- Strong Group Athletics (SGA) started the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on a high note after demolishing the UAE national team, 82-66, early Saturday morning (Manila time).

The loaded SGA squad used the middle quarters to pull away and secure the victory.

The game was tied at 22 at the end of the first quarter as the two teams struggled early.

With SGA taking a 46-40 lead heading into the second half, Andre Roberson and Kevin Quiambao teamed up in the third quarter.

SGA scored 10 straight points to start the frame capped by back-to-back 3-pointers by Quiambao.

After a deuce by Qais Alshabibi, Robinson made consecutive layups to cap a furious 14-2 run that turned the match into a one-sided affair, 60-42.

It was enough separation for SGA, which saw its lead grow to as much as 21 points, 70-49, after a turnaround jumper by Allen Liwag.

The UAE cut the lead to 11, 77-66, after an and-one play by Omar Alameeri with less than two minutes remaining.

Jordan Heading then stuck the dagger with a go-ahead layup with 1:30 left.

Roberson led the Philippine squad with 15 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

Dwight Howard followed suit with 14 points and six rebounds. Quiambao chipped in 13 points and three rebounds in a game that saw him primarily play the two-guard position.

Hamid Abdullateef led UAE with 19 points, two rebounds and an assist.

SGA will next play Syria’s Al Wahda Sports Club on Saturday, January 20, at 9:15 p.m. (Manila time).