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Howard stars as Strong Group enters Dubai finals

Sports | Basketball

Howard stars as Strong Group enters Dubai finals

By Mark Rey Montejo

At A Glance

Howard, who, at 38, displayed his old and deadly form, steadied the ship for the Filipino squad alongside UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao in the third quarter as they engineered an 18-6 spurt for a 75-49 lead that left the Lebanese cagers in the dust.

NBA veteran Dwight Howard proved age is just a number as he starred on Strong Group Athletics' semifinal rout of Beirut Sports Club, 94-72, to advance to the championship match in the 2024 Dubai International Tournament on Sunday morning, Jan. 28, at the Al Nasr Club.

Dwight Howard stars once again for Strong Group Athletics. (Strong Group Athletics)

Howard, who, at 38, displayed his old and deadly form, steadied the ship for the Filipino squad alongside UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao in the third quarter as they engineered an 18-6 spurt for a 75-49 lead that left the Lebanese cagers in the dust.

The former Orlando Magic superstar went off a double-double effort of 26 points on top of 20 rebounds, three steals and a block while Quiambao chipped in 18.

MPBL frontman Justine Baltazar and Jordan Heading added 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Alexander Saleh, who finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Naim Rabay anchored Beirut Sports Club’s final stand in the fourth quarter, trimming the gap to 16, 70-86, with four minutes remaining.

But the Charles Tiu-mentored squad's lead was just too much to overcome as the Filipino crowd roared in celebration inside the venue.

Dar Tucker topscored with 22 points for Beirut and set up a battle-for-third match with Al Alhi Sports Club.

SGA will battle Al Riyadi Club Beirut – which also has a pristine record – in the finals on Sunday evening, Jan. 28.

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