SGA withstands Green's 50-point explosion for sixth consecutive win
At A Glance
- Strong Group Athletics banked on its chemistry and torrid shooting to overcome Steven Green's 50-point explosion for Malaysia, taking a 106-98 victory for its sixth straight win in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium in Taiwan Friday, July 18.
Kiefer Ravena sparks SGA past Malaysia. (SGA)
Strong Group Athletics banked on its chemistry and torrid shooting to overcome Steven Green’s 50-point explosion for Malaysia, taking a 106-98 victory for its sixth straight win in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium in Taiwan Friday, July 18.
Despite Green’s red-hot offensive display, SGA found ways to stay ahead as it posted 27 assists and 11 triples to weather the American guard's performance which single-handedly carried the Malaysian side.
The Malaysians, though, were able to shrink the once 77-56 deficit to within striking distance, 93-101, in the final minutes. The Filipino cagers, however, stood firm to preserve their unbeaten run.
SGA is set for a rigid test as it takes on fellow unbeaten Bahrain this Saturday, July 19, at the same venue.
A victory over Bahrain could propel SGA to the top of the standings and possibly its second straight Jones Cup crown.
Derrick Fenner stood out this time for SGA after pouring in 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in just 20 minutes of play. Kiefer Ravena regained his touch and tallied 17 points.
Former and current collegiate stars also took the spotlight with College of Saint Benilde’s Allen Liwag dazzling with his best game so far, registering 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
Former Ateneans Dave Ildefonso (13), Gian Chiu (12), and Angge Kouame (11) contributed double-digit scoring as well.
Green, for his part, finished with 50 points on top of eight rebounds, and two steals, while Chun Hong Ting and Yi Hou Wong added 24 and 12 points, respectively, in a losing cause as Malaysia absorbed its fourth loss in six outings.