Six games up, six games down for DJ Fenner and defending champion Strong Group Athletics-Philippines after disposing Malaysia in their 2025 Jones Cup encounter.
Defending champion Strong Group Athletics-Philippines raced to a 9-0 blitz and never looked back, chalking up a 106-98 dismissal of Malaysia for their sixth straight win at the 44th William Jones Cup on Friday, July 19.
DJ Fenner fired a team-high 20 points on just nine shots on top of eight rebounds and fourt assists, while Kiefer Ravena supplied 17 points spiked on four threes in his first start for the squad.
Allen Liwag submitted 16 markers each as the twin tower combination of Ange Kouame and Geo Chiu imposed their might behind a combined outing of 23 points and 20 boards.
SGA shot an ultra-efficient 58% clip, and yet entered halftime with a just a 56-47 lead after Malaysia ended the second frame on a 13-5 run.
But the Philippines responded with a 17-6 blitz to open the third quarter, extending their lead to 19 points at 72-53 with five minutes left en route to yet another victory.
Up next for Strong Group is fellow unbeaten Bahrain (6-0), who will battle host squad Chinese Taipei-Blue later in the evening.
The crucial showdown — set for tomorrow, July 19 at 3:00 p.m. (PH time) — could decide which team will capture the Jones Cup gold medal. SGA will wrap up their campaign against UAE on Sunday, July 20.
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Steven Green exploded for 50 points for Malaysia, including 24 in the opening half but it wasn't enough to overpower a well-balanced Strong Group side.
Chun Hong Ting contributed 24 markers as head coach Felton Sealey and his squad now dropped to 2-4 with two more left to play against Australia and Bahrain.