Strong Group opens Dubai campaign with 16-point win over UAE

Strong Group Athletics (SGA) had a strong start in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship by defeating the UAE national team, 82-66.

SGA dominated the game during the middle quarters to secure the win.

In the first quarter, both teams struggled, and the score was tied at 22. SGA took a 46-40 lead going into the second half.

In the third quarter, Andre Roberson and Kevin Quiambao led SGA with a 10-point scoring run, including back-to-back 3-pointers by Quiambao.

Qais Alshabibi’s basket was followed by consecutive layups from Robinson, leading to a 14-2 run and a score of 60-42, making the match one-sided.

SGA capitalized on this separation, extending their lead to 21 points, 70-49, after a turnaround jumper by Allen Liwag.

UAE managed to reduce the gap to 11, 77-66, after a successful and-one play by Omar Alameeri with less than two minutes remaining.

With 1:30 left, Jordan Heading sealed the victory with a easy deuce.

Roberson had an impressive game, contributing 15 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks for the Philippine squad.

Dwight Howard contributed 14 points and six rebounds. Quiambao added 13 points and three rebounds while primarily playing the two-guard position.

Hamid Abdullateef led UAE with 19 points, two rebounds, and an assist.

SGA’s next game is against Syria’s Al Wahda Sports Club on Saturday, January 20, at 9:15 p.m. (Manila time).