Strong Group Athletics officially launched its redemption bid in style after listing a 99-91 win over host United Arab Emirates in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club in the wee hours of Saturday, Jan. 25 (Manila time). 

Former NBA players in Demarcus Cousins, Chris McCullough, and Malachi Richardson took charge for SGA in the fourth quarter after they engineered a 22-8 blitz for a 93-78 lead that was capped by Cousins' triple at the 3:53 mark.

It delighted the flock of overseas Filipino workers who were watching live while also giving heartbreak to the UAE national team and its hometown crowd.

Cousins came out huge in his debut game for coach Charles Tiu, listing 24 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in just 20 minutes of action while McCullough topscored with 28 and Richardson added 21.

Also starring on offensive end were locals Rhenz Abando (13) and Allen Liwag (4), who both delivered timely baskets in their late rally which helped SGA clinched its first win in Group A. Mikey Williams, though being scoreless, provided four rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Demarco Dickerson and Qais Alshabebi shone for UAE after finishing with 25 and 23 points, respectively, which went all down the drain as the hosts absorbed their first defeat.

McCullough ignited the run then Richardson, Liwag, Abando and Cousins continued the late assault in the fourth to secure the win despite some counters from the UAE cagers.

SGA is expected to be more eager after its heartbreaking finals loss last year to Al-Riyadi, a club from Beirut, Lebanon and the reigning champion, which opted to beg off from its title defense this year.

Next for SGA is Al Nasr, while the Zamboanga Valientes are opening their bid in Group B as they face Sharjah SC. 

Both games are set this Saturday, Jan. 25, (late Sunday, Manila time) at the same venue.