Defending champion Strong Group Athletics-Philippines will first face Malaysia before their crucial showdown against the unbeaten Bahrain squad, with the winner of that clash likely claiming the gold medal.
With momentum building and the stakes rising, defending champion Strong Group Athletics know there is no room for missteps.
The red-hot SGA squad aim to extend its unbeaten run to six games when the Philippines faces Malaysia in the 44th William Jones Cup on Friday, July 18.
Tip-off is at 3:00 p.m. (PH time).
This showdown serves as a final test for Strong Group before their much-anticipated clash against the undefeated Bahrain squad (6-0), with the winner likely clinching the championship.
SGA continued their dominance in the tournament, rolling past host team Chinese Taipei-White, 107-75, to extend their winning streak to five games.
[ALSO READ: Strong Group clobbers Chinese Taipei White for 5-0 record in Jones Cup]
Tajuan Agee led the charge in their latest triumph, exploding for 25 points—all in the first half—on an ultra-efficient 10-of-12 shooting clip. His early barrage fueled a commanding 61-33 halftime lead that the Filipinos never relinquished.
Ian Miller and Javi Gomez de Liaño added 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Kiefer Ravena, Dave Ildefonso, and Rhenz Abando each contributed double figures in a display of offensive depth for head coach Charles Tiu.
The win also marked the team’s 13th consecutive Jones Cup victory, extending their streak dating back to last year’s title-winning sweep.
[ALSO READ: Smart Gilas then and Strong Group now: A list of Philippine teams that won the Jones Cup]
Meanwhile, Malaysia enters this matchup coming off a 89-63 blowout loss to Chinese Taipei-Blue, dropping their record to 2-2.
The team’s only victories so far in the tournament have come in thrilling, nail-biting encounters against UAE and Japan, respectively.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]