Strong Group takes care of business against Australia to take their fourth win in just as many days at the William Jones Cup.
Strong Group-Philippines bucked fatigue and mounting injuries as they conquered Australia United, 91-75, for their fourth straight win at the 2025 William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium at New Taipei City on Wednesday.
As Kiefer Ravena returned, SGA were able to rally ahead of the Aussies despite limited impact from the veteran guard.
Andre Roberson rediscovered his offense while Dave Ildefonso found his mark to lead SGA’s cavalry on offense for the team’s 12th straight win in the Jones Cup since last year’s edition.
It was all SGA from the get-go as they zoomed to a double digit lead in the first quarter. Quick and efficient offense had the Filipinos on top after 10 minutes of action, 24-13, at the end of the opening canto.
While a fight back from the Australians to begin the second quarter got them within five, 21-26, SGA unleashed a pivotal 19-5 run that gave them the team’s biggest lead at 19 points, 45-26, before the halftime break.
Though Australia, which featured former UP player James Spencer, tried to get things back on track, they just couldn’t find their rhythm as the Strong Group rolled and matched their 19-point advantage at multiple points of the ballgame.
Five different players finished in double-digit scoring for SGA led by Roberson’s double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. He also had six assists.
Ian Miller and Tajuan Agee each had 12 points while Ange Kouame ended up with 11 points, six boards, and one steal.
Ildefonso, for his part, had 10 points on 5-of-11 shooting.
Mac Stodard paced Australia with 19 points as Spencer finished with 11 markers as he faced a team that featured his former college rivals and teammate.
SGA, now at 4-0 in the tournament, faces Chinese Taipei B on Thursday, July 17.
Bahrain continues to lead the tournament at 5-0.