Strong Group Athletics (SGA) triumphed over Al Wahda-Syria with a resounding score of 89-67 in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on Saturday night (Manila time). This victory marks SGA’s second consecutive win in the tournament.
Kevin Quiambao, the esteemed UAAP MVP, and his La Salle teammate Francis Escandor were the stars of the night, showcasing exceptional prowess from the three-point line. The duo combined a near-perfect 11-of-12 from the “rainbow country,” contributing significantly to the team’s landslide victory.
SGA set the tone early in the game, establishing a solid nine-point lead by the end of the first quarter with a score of 23-14. They further intensified their gameplay in the second quarter, widening the gap to a 16-point lead, thanks in part to Escandor’s precise 3-pointer.
The Philippine team’s dominance was unwavering throughout the game, with their lead ballooning to 27 points following a skilled jumper from Quiambao. Notably, SGA maintained their superiority in every quarter, preventing the Syrian team from gaining any ground.
Quiambao, the leading scorer, delivered an outstanding performance with 24 points, complemented by five rebounds, two assists, and a block. His flawless execution from beyond the arc was a highlight of the game. Escandor followed closely with 18 points, showcasing his sharpshooting skills. Jordan Heading and Andray Blatche contributed significantly as well, each scoring 12 points.
Though NBA veteran Dwight Howard scored a modest five points, his presence was felt through his commanding 10 rebounds and four blocks, fortifying SGA’s defense.
SGA’s overall performance was remarkable, with the team successfully making 17 of their 27 three-point attempts, showcasing their accuracy and coordination.
Al Wahda’s Myron Jordan and Jomaru Hohadbrown put up a brave fight, scoring 19 and 17 points respectively, but it was not enough to challenge SGA’s dominance.
Looking forward, SGA is set to face Lebanon’s Homenetmen on Sunday, carrying forward their winning momentum and high spirits.