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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider SGA sweeps Jones Cup, dismantles UAE for second straight title

SGA sweeps Jones Cup, dismantles UAE for second straight title

Published Jul 20, 2025 11:00 pm

At A Glance

  • Strong Group Athletics capped off its two-peat triumph with an 87-62 annihilation of the United Arab Emirates to sweep its assignments in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan Sunday, July 20.
Strong Group sweeps its assignments to bag its back-to-back Jones Cup title. (SGA)
Strong Group sweeps its assignments to bag its back-to-back Jones Cup title. (SGA)
Strong Group Athletics capped off its two-peat triumph with an 87-62 annihilation of the United Arab Emirates to sweep its assignments in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan Sunday, July 20.
Despite already securing its historic back-to-back crowns after its 92-68 win over Bahrain, SGA took it a notch higher after demolishing the UAE side for its eighth win in the tournament.
Aside from its impeccable campaign, SGA gifted the Philippines its eighth overall championship in the competition, adding its name to the list of Philippine-based teams that include Northern Cement (1982), San Miguel (1985), the Centennial Team (1998), Gilas Pilipinas (2012), and Mighty Sports (2016, 2019).
It was also its 16th consecutive victory in the Jones Cup starting from SGA’s first title last year.
The UAE, on the other hand, remained winless in eight games and finished dead last.
“We are happy to win a championship again. We never take anything for granted,” said head coach Charles Tiu.
“It’s special, especially because I don’t know if we will be able to have this group again,” Tiu reflected,” Tiu added. “DJ and Brickman are probably joining the draft, Javi and Rhenz will probably have different teams already, and we don’t know where our other guys will be next year.”
Tajuan Agee stood out for SGA after listing 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Kiefer Ravena scored 13, while DJ Fenner (12), Ian Miller (12), and Dave Ildefonso (10) provide ample support offensively.
Khalifa Salem topscored for the UAE as he uncorked 18 points, while Qais Alshabebi and Ahmed Albreiki combined for 26 points in a losing cause.

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