WATCH: Francis Escandor Highlights [Strong Group vs Al Wahda | Jan. 20, 2024]

De La Salle teammates Kevin Quiambao and Francis Escandor collaborated effectively as Strong Group secured a commanding 89-67 victory against Al Wahda Syria in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club on Saturday, January 20.

With the support of the enthusiastic Filipino crowd, Quiambao and Escandor displayed remarkable shooting ability, making a combined total of 11 three-pointers.

Quiambao contributed a team-high 24 points, along with five rebounds and two assists, while Escandor added 18 points.

Additionally, naturalized Filipino center Andray Blatche redeemed himself after a disappointing performance in the previous game, scoring 12 points, including two consecutive three-pointers in the first quarter, after missing all 10 of his field goal attempts.

Jordan Heading registered 12 points, while former NBA star Howard contributed five points and 10 boards.

The Philippine squad improved to 2-0, and will next clash with Lebanon’s Homenetmen on Sunday, January 21 at 11:15 pm.

Blatche’s personal 8-2 run in the first quarter helped Strong Group establish a 23-12 lead, although the Syrian team closed the gap to five points, 23-18, in the second quarter.

However, Howard made a crucial block and hit a last-second three-pointer to make it a more comfortable 43-30 advantage going into halftime.