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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider SGA demolishes Bahrain, retains Jones Cup title

SGA demolishes Bahrain, retains Jones Cup title

Published Jul 19, 2025 04:14 pm

At A Glance

  • Strong Group Athletics demolished Bahrain, 92-68, to retain its title in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium in Taiwan Saturday, July 19.
Andre Roberson delivers anew for SGA. (SGA)
Andre Roberson delivers anew for SGA. (SGA)
Strong Group Athletics demolished Bahrain, 92-68, to retain its title in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium in Taiwan Saturday, July 19.
SGA pulled away from a tight first half by outscoring their rivals, 27-14, to seize a comfortable 89-64 lead and never looked back.
The Filipino dribblers finished the tournament undefeated in seven games, becoming the first Philippine-based club team to win back-to-back titles—regardless of the result in their final game against the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, July 20.
The triumph also marked the country’s eighth overall championship since the tournament’s inception in 1977.
“It feels great to win again,” said SGA head coach Charles Tiu.
“We prepared hard for this tournament. Our players played hard throughout—from the locals to the imports. I tip my hat off to them. Great group of guys. Hoping we can finish it off with a sweep, even with the championship in tow,” he added.
Andre Roberson starred anew after pumping in 25 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block, while Tajuan Agee contributed 19 points.
Javi Gómez de Liaño led the local charge with 12 points, while Rhenz Abando added 11 points.
Subah Azzam topscored for Bahrain with 14 points, with Abdulqader Mohamed posting 12 points in a losing effort. Mohamed Hamoda and Ahmed Haji chipped in 10 points apiece.
The Filipino dribblers leaned on their offense, dishing out 25 assists and unloading 12 triples.
Before bagging the crown, SGA hurdled gritty rivals in Taipei Blue (67-56), Japan U25 (79-76), Qatar B (81-54), Australia’s NBL1 Rising Stars (91-75), Taipei White (107-75), and Malaysia (106-98).

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