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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Strong Group takes down defending champ USA to stay unbeaten in Jones Cup

Strong Group takes down defending champ USA to stay unbeaten in Jones Cup

Published Jul 18, 2024 07:14 am

At A Glance

  • Strong Group-Pilipinas turned back defending champion Future Sports USA, 112-90, to stay unbeaten in the 43rd William Jones Cup on Thursday, July 18, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Strong Group-Pilipinas turned back defending champion Future Sports USA, 112-90, to stay unbeaten in the 43rd William Jones Cup on Thursday, July 18, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

 

SGA Chris McCullough-211 (1).jpg
Strong Group-Pilipinas import Chris McCullough (SGA)

 

The Philippines is now three wins away from completing a sweep and reclaiming the title it last won in 2019 after staying spotless through five outings. 

Meanwhile, USA absorbed its fifth consecutive loss with its title defense now beyond repair. 

Interestingly, the reigning champions previously went undefeated all the way to the championship victory at the expense of the Philippines’ Rain or Shine in their final matchup last year. 

The Charles Tiu-coached Strong Group delivered a second-half masterclass after trailing 56-60 at the break. 

Former NBA player Chris McCullough scattered an all-around performance highlighted by a double-double of 24 points on top of 18 rebounds that went with seven assists and three blocks. 

Import Tajuan Agee and incoming PBA rookie RJ Abarrientos provided ample support with 19 and 17 markers, respectively, in another balanced attack from the Philippine side. 

Three other players finished in double figures with Jordan Heading adding 11 points, and Ange Kouame and CSB guard Allen Liwag turning in 10 markers apiece. 

On the other end, Bowen Hammer paced the USA with 18 points and six rebounds with its lone victory coming from a 69-65 escape against Australia’s BSBL Guardians on the opening day. 

The only closest foe standing in Strong Group's way is Chinese Taipei A which also remained unscathed in four matches and is set to face Harimau Malaysia in the later play. 

Last year, Chinese Taipei A was also behind top seed and eventual champion USA's University of California-Irvine in the standings, having only lost to them in the whole tournament. 

Related Tags

RJ Abarrientos Strong Group Jones Cup Charles Tiu
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