Strong Group goes 3-0 in Dubai meet

MANILA, Philippines — Dwight Howard unleashed vintage form as Strong Group fended off a stiff resistance from Lebanon’s Homenetmen, 104-95, and stayed perfect in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship yesterday at the Al Nasr Club.

The former NBA champion and three-time Defensive Player of the Year awardee scored 32 points on an impressive 12-of-13 clip laced by seven rebounds and five blocks to anchor the Philippine representatives to a third straight win in as many games in Group B.

It’s the closest win of Strong Group thus far in the 12-team tourney after making short work of the United Arab Emirates national team, 82-66, and Syria’s Al Wahda, 89-67.

Joining hands with Howard to make it happen was UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, who further cemented his stature as Strong Group’s best local bet with 19 points, four rebounds and four assists.