Strong Group stays undefeated, arranges semis clash with Sports Club Beirut

Strong Group Athletics advanced to the semifinals of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship after defeating Moroccan club AS Sale, 92-80 in the knockout quarterfinal match on Saturday, January 27 at the Al Nasr Club Basketball Court in UAE.

Andre Roberson led SGA with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Dwight Howard contributed a double-double of 17 points and 12 boards. McKenzie Moore also made an impact with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.

Strong Group will now face Sports Club Beirut in the semifinals on Sunday at 1:15 A.M. Manila time.

The Philippine representative excelled on the defensive end, limiting the Moroccans to 38 percent shooting and outrebounding them 54-37.

UAAP Season 86 MVP Kevin Quiambao scored 15 points while Justin Baltazar added eight. Fil-Aussie Jordan Heading contributed six points, five rebounds, and five assists.

With a record of 6-0 in the tournament, SGA is just two wins away from sweeping the annual event after a disappointing quarterfinal exit in 2023.

In their first encounter in the group stage, SGA defeated the Beirut squad with a score of 95-73.

The other semifinal will feature defending champion Al Riyadi (6-0) and Al Ahly Tripoli of Libya.