Richardson, McCullough shine as SGA sweeps prelims in Dubai; Zamboanga eliminated


At a glance

  • Top imports Malachi Richardson and Chris McCullough formed a deadly 1-2 punch and propelled Strong Group Athletics over Amman United Club, 84-75, to sweep their pool assignmentsin the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship early Thursday, Jan. 30 (Manila time).


Top imports Malachi Richardson and Chris McCullough formed a deadly 1-2 punch and propelled Strong Group Athletics over Amman United Club, 84-75, to sweep their pool assignments in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship early Thursday, Jan. 30 (Manila time). 

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Malachi Richardson delivers the goods with Chris McCullough for SGA. (SGA)

With Demarcus Cousins playing limited minutes, the two other reinforcements took charge as McCullough ignited SGA’s burst in the early goings of the fourth quarter where they pulled away, 70-53.

Richardson chipped in 24 points while former San Miguel import McCullough and Rhenz Abando contributed 19 and 12, respectively.

The Charles Tiu-mentored crew stood strong at the top of the Group A standings with a pristine 4-0 card to also book their quarterfinals seat.

Heading into the playoffs with an unblemished record, SGA will tackle hometown bet Sharjah SC (1-3) of Pool B late Thursday.

Fadi Mustafa (20), Henry Sims (15), and Kevin Allen (14) led the Jordanian ball club.

As good as advertised, SGA went hot right away after making an early 16-4 breakaway in the opening frame and carried the same momentum heading into the break.

The Jordanians gradually recovered and got within striking distance in the third frame, 44-40, but SGA shifted its efforts to a higher gear to outpace its rivals and to the delight of the overseas Filipino fans who watched the game live — with the loudest cheers coming when Abando soared for a two-handed slam to capture their biggest lead in the contest.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes suffered a 59-95 defeat at the hands of the Tunisian national team.

Sam Deguara and UST’s Nic Cabanero starred for Zamboanga with 16 and 14 points while Prince Caperal added 13 in a losing effort as the Junnie Navarro-owned club absorbed its fourth loss in as many outings in Group B and became the lone squad to go home winless.