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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Dwight Howard-led Strong Group goes 3-0 in Dubai tourney

Dwight Howard-led Strong Group goes 3-0 in Dubai tourney

Published Jan 22, 2024 12:21 am

At A Glance

  • Former Los Angeles Lakers star Dwight Howard showed the way for Strong Group as Kevin Quiambao and Andray Blatche's late eruption towed the Philippine squad past a feisty Homenetmen-Lebanon, 104-95, in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club on Sunday, Jan. 21 (Manila time).

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Dwight Howard showed the way for Strong Group as Kevin Quiambao and Andray Blatche’s late eruption towed the Philippine squad past a feisty Homenetmen-Lebanon, 104-95, in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club on Sunday, Jan. 21 (Manila time).

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Former NBA star Dwight Howard leads the way for Strong Group. (DIBC Facebook)

The all-big trio held off a gritty Lebanon side bannered by ex-Meralco Bolts import Zach Lofton, who led all scorers with 37 points in the losing cause. 

The NBA champion Howard carried the fight for the Philippine squad with 32 points on a nearly perfect 12-of-13 inside shooting that went with a huge defensive showing of seven rebounds and five blocks.  

Filipino naturalized center Blatche, for his part, exploded for 15 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter off five threes to lift Strong Group when it was needed most.  

UAAP star Quiambao, meanwhile, continued to showcase his fine form among the veteran rotation after finishing with an efficient 19-point outing along with four rebounds and four assists. 

Imports Andre Roberson and McKenzie Moore tallied 13 and 12 markers, respectively. 

Unlike in their two previous games, Strong Group faced a first-half crisis as it trailed Homenetmen for most of it before regaining some control towards the end of the third quarter, 69-63. 

The Philippine squad, which was briefly down by two, 73-71, saw Blatche open its fourth-quarter scoring with four consecutive triples to eventually hand Strong Group an 87-79 upper-hand.

Still, Lofton continued to be on hot pursuit of Strong Group — scoring his 14th point with 2:38 left in the game to give Homenetmen a fighting chance which came within five, 96-91. 

However fired up Lofton was, though, Quiambao had the final word after unleashing a last-minute triple and sealing the victory with a slam.

The Philippine squad zoomed to its third straight win in as many days after opening the tournament with a 82-66 rout of UAE national team followed by an 89-67 drubbing of Al Wahda Syria for its second assignment. 

Lebanese Gerard Hadidian paced Homenetmen with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Elijah Holman flirted with a double-double performance with 18 points and nine rebounds. 

Strong Group and Al Ahli Tripoli lead the Group B standings with three wins each, while defending champion Al Riyadi tops Group A following back-to-back victories. 

The Charles Tiu-coached squad is set to have a one day rest after a weary three-day playdate and will resume action against Sports Club Beirut on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 1:15 a.m. (Manila time). 

Related Tags

Kevin Quiambao Strong Group Andray Blatche Los Angeles Lakers Dwight Howard
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