May 19, 2024

Kevin Quiambao shines vs. Beirut, as Strong Group remains undefeated in Dubai

Kevin Quiambao shines vs. Beirut, as Strong Group remains undefeated in Dubai
Photo (c) UAE Basketball Association

DLSU Green Archers star Kevin Quiambao scored a team-high 20 points against Sports Club Beirut to help Strong Group Athletics (SGA) remain undefeated in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship early Wednesday morning (PHL).

The Most Valuable Player of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament and its Finals MVP fired another four triples on his way to the 20 points KQ also had four rebounds, and a steal.

SGA started out hot and stayed in control before scoring the 95-73 win, the team's fourth-straight victory.

McKenzie Moore added 19 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Jordan Heading finished with 15, while Dwight Howard pitched in a near double-double of 11 points and nine rebounds, along with two assists, and a steal for Strong Group.

All that was more than enough to withstand the scoring spree from Lebanon's Sergio El Darwich, who put up a game-high 28 points from 10 of 15 field goals. Ali Haidar added 15, while scoring machine Dar Tucker was kept to just 14 points.

Quiambao's stellar performance comes as SGA reported that the United Arab Emirates expressed interest in naturalizing Quiambao, who has committed one more year for La Salle.

"Should KQ take the offer?" SGA posted on its Facebook reel.

"Let my perseverance speak volumes," Quiambao posted on Facebook after the game.

Strong Group will face Al Ahli Tripoli on Thursday, January 25, 1:15 a.m. Philippine time in a bid to sweep Group B before the quarterfinals.