Free agent Rhenz Abando and newly-drafted Ginebra player RJ Abarrientos steered Strong Group-Pilipinas to its fourth straight victory with an 89-54 drubbing of Harimau Malaysia in the 43rd William Jones Cup on Wednesday night, July 17, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

The Charles Tiu-coached Philippines improved to a 4-0 slate and now shares similar records with Chinese Taipei A in the standings, which it is set to face last in the tournament. 

After parting ways with the Anyang Red Boosters in the Korean Basketball League, Abando, who hasn’t revealed where he’s bound to for the next chapter of his club career, is seemingly back in his old form. 

Starting for Tiu’s Strong Group for the first time in four matches, Abando turned in a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double outing highlighted by a four-of-six shooting from the outside. 

The Philippines greeted a slim 40-36 halftime break before leaning on a dominant fourth-quarter showing to completely pull away from Malaysia, which was dealt its first loss in four assignments. 

Unlike Abando who had chosen to enter free agency after his time in the Korean league, Abarrientos has Tim Cone awaiting him in the PBA when he comes back. 

The 24-year-old guard came through with another reliable performance of nine points off three triples and 12 assists that even went with five rebounds. 

Apart from Abando, naturalized player Ange Kouame also came up big with his own double-double showing with 11 points on top of 10 rebounds as he sets his sights on helping the Philippines reclaim the Jones Cup trophy it last lifted in 2019. 

Former San Miguel import Chris McCullough had his fourth consecutive team-high performance of 16 markers paired with five rebounds, while Tajuan Agee added 14 points apart from seven rebounds to play his part in a balanced effort from the starting rotation. 

Meanwhile, Wesley Murry led all scorers in the losing cause with 25 points, while former Ateneo import Joseph Obasa provided support with 13 markers. 

The Philippines is resuming action in the quick turnaround against defending champion Future Sports USA, which has surprisingly fallen to a 1-4 record on Thursday, July 18, at 1 p.m.