Strong Group Athletics is finally competing in finals at the Dubai International Basketball Strong Group Athletics will finally compete in finals at the Dubai International Basketball Championship Finals.
Dwight Howard, Kevin Quiambao and Charles Tiu’s team delivered yet another impressive victory when they defeated Beirut Sports Club with an emphatic 94-72 score early the next morning Manila time.
Howard repeatedly showed his dominance, culminating in an NBA Championship-clinching 20-rebound, 26-point game with three steals, rejections and one block.
The Philippines were defeated during last year’s Dubai event during their quarterfinals matchup.
The Nationals seized upon an early second-quarter surge, as Quiambao, Baltazar and Heading made shots from long range before Howard contributed from inside to increase their lead to 50-29 before halftime was called off.
SGA were able to build up an early advantage that grew to 26 points (75-49) early in the final canto and managed to seal their seventh straight win within just eight games.
Dar Tucker, who previously proved an obstacle for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, led Beirut with 22 points, seven rebounds, a block, and a steal.