STRONG GROUP FENDS OFF MALAYSIA AHEAD OF BIG GAME VS BAHRAIN
NEW TAIPEI CITY — Strong Group-Philippines leaned on its interior presence and timely shotmaking to weather a late storm from Malaysia, pulling out a 106-98 victory Friday afternoon at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in the 44th William Jones Cup.
The win, which improved SGA’s spotless record to 6-0, preserved the much-anticipated championship clash against fellow unbeaten Bahrain (6-0) slated for tomorrow at 3 p.m.
“It was not the best game for us defensively, but we got the job done,” said head coach Charles Tiu after the hard-fought victory. “We were also able to rest Dre [Roberson] and Tajuan [Agee], which is crucial. Now all focus for us is our game tomorrow against Bahrain — our championship game.”
Strong Group, backed by Bet88 and UAAGI, flexed its size and depth with six players scoring in double figures, led by DJ Fenner, who delivered his finest performance of the tournament with 20 points on an efficient 7-of-10 clip, alongside eight rebounds and four assists.
Kiefer Ravena, inserted into the starting five for the first time in the tournament, added 17 points, three boards, and a steadying presence in the clutch.
The Filipinos used their height advantage to dominate the boards, outmuscling the Malaysians behind big men Geo Chiu and Ange Kouame.
Chiu tallied a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks, while Kouame added 11 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists.
College of Saint Benilde standout Allen Liwag was a revelation off the bench, pouring in 16 points with four boards, two assists, and two blocks — including a dagger triple with 22 seconds left to finally slam the door on Malaysia’s hopes.
“Allen really stepped up for us when we needed a lift. That’s what we need from our local guys — big moments, big poise,” said Tiu.
SGA looked poised for a blowout after erupting for a 31-17 third quarter surge, turning a narrow 56-49 lead into a comfortable 87-64 cushion heading into the fourth. That run was sparked by the trio of Ravena, Chiu, and Fenner, as they executed to near perfection on both ends of the floor.
But Malaysia, behind an explosive 50-point outburst from American guard Steven Green, mounted a rally in the fourth.
Green spearheaded a 20-10 burst that chopped the deficit to just 13, 97-84, with under five minutes to play.
Chun Hong Ting added 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for Malaysia, which slipped to a 2-4 slate, now tied with Japan for sixth place.
Despite the scare, Tiu’s squad had enough fuel left, with Liwag scoring five quick points late in the fourth and Ravena icing the game with a layup in transition.
“They’ve got two imports and a EuroLeague-level coach, so Bahrain’s been well-coached and solid all tournament — that’s why they’re undefeated too,” added Tiu, referring to Bahrain's Greek head coach Georgios Vovoras. “Regardless of the result of their game against Chinese Taipei tonight, it’s a must-win for us.”
Dave Ildefonso chipped in 13 points — 11 in the first half — while continuing to be a steady two-way contributor, while the rest of the locals filled in admirably in place of the resting Roberson and Agee.
SGA now awaits the result of Bahrain’s late game against Chinese Taipei A, last year’s Jones Cup runner-up, and a team capable of disrupting Bahrain’s unbeaten run.
But for Tiu, there are no ifs.
“We can’t leave anything to chance,” he said.
