STRONG GROUP MAKES JONES CUP HISTORY WITH BACK-TO-BACK TITLES
NEW TAIPEI CITY—Strong Group Athletics has done what no Philippine team has ever accomplished before.
Strong Group-Philippines etched its name in the record books as the first Philippine squad to capture back-to-back championships in the 44-year history of the William Jones Cup, delivering a convincing 92–68 victory over Bahrain on Saturday at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium.
With the win, the Charles Tiu-led side, also backed by Bet88 and UAAGI, improved to a perfect 7–0 slate, clinching the 2024 crown with one game to spare. The team no longer needs a result in its final assignment against the United Arab Emirates or to rely on the outcome of Chinese Taipei’s remaining matches.
"Feels great to win again," said head coach Charles Tiu. "We prepared hard for this tournament. Our players played hard throughout—from the locals to the imports. I tip my hat off to them. Great group of guys."
SGA’s title defense was spearheaded by former NBA forward Andre Roberson, who erupted for 25 points and 14 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action. His all-around brilliance provided the spark in a dominant fourth quarter that sealed the deal for the defending champions.
The 2024 title adds to the Philippines’ growing legacy in the prestigious invitational, following previous triumphs by Northern Cement (1982), San Miguel (1985), the Centennial Team (1998), Gilas Pilipinas (2012), Mighty Sports (2016 and 2019), and Strong Group (2024). But it was SGA’s historic repeat that truly set it apart.
“What’s really rare here is the opportunity,” Tiu added. “Just want to give credit to our bosses—Boss Frank and Jacob Lao—for allowing us to run it back again and for the trust to form and build this team. It’s rare to get to work for bosses like them.”
Despite already securing the championship, SGA didn’t ease off the gas pedal.
Bahrain managed to cut a once-comfortable lead to just five points, 68–63, midway through the third quarter. But SGA responded with a momentum-swinging 7–1 run anchored by Kiefer Ravena’s driving layup and five quick points from Javi Gomez de Liano to re-establish control at 75–64 entering the fourth.
That would be the last time Bahrain threatened.
Strong Group exploded with a 14–0 blitz to open the final frame, capped by a six-point surge from Roberson and a dagger triple from Gomez de Liano that ballooned the lead to 89–64. From there, it was all but a coronation.
SGA’s fourth-quarter domination was emphatic, shooting an efficient 5-of-7 from the field while limiting Bahrain to just four points on 2-of-10 shooting.
Strong Group also ruled the glass with a 45–24 rebounding edge.
Tajuan Agee backed Roberson with 19 points, eight boards, two assists, and a steal. Gomez de Liano chipped in 12 markers, all from beyond the arc, along with seven rebounds and two steals. Rhenz Abando added 11 points in just over 13 minutes of play, while Ian Miller nearly notched a double-double with nine points and eight assists.
Dave Ildefonso provided an all-around effort with eight points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Ravena added six points and two steals.
Even without Bahrain's key reinforcements—former PBA import Wayne Chism and ex-NBA player Jakarr Sampson—the Middle Eastern squad held its own for much of the tournament, finishing with a 6–2 record.
However, both losses came against last year’s finalists in SGA and Chinese Taipei A.
With one more game left, Tiu and Strong Group are determined to finish strong.
"Hoping we can finish it off with a sweep, even with the championship in tow," said Tiu.
