MANILA, Philippines — What was billed as a virtual championship match between Strong Group-Philippines and Bahrain ended up as a one-sided contest.
Strong Group SGA PHOTO
The Philippine club team drew another solid double-double effort from NBA veteran Andre Roberson as Strong Group plastered Bahrain, 92-68 to win a historic back-to-back William Jones Cup championships during their Saturday collision in Taipei City.
Strong Group’s accomplishment enabled the Frank Lao-owned team to become the first-ever Philippine squad to repeat as champion in the 44-year history of the William Jones Cup.
Bahrain tried its best to stop Strong Group, closing in at 63-68, before the charges of coach Charles Tiu went on a solid scoring run in the final period that all but sealed the tournament crown.
Strong Group improved to 7-0 and will look to close the tournament with a sweep when it faces Taipei White on Sunday.
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Bahrain ended its tournament campaign with a 6-2 record.
Roberson led Strong Group’s charge with 25 points and 14 rebounds,
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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.”- richard dy
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.”
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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.
Big reinforcement Tajuan Agee chipped in 19 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while Javi Gomez de Liano knocked down four triples to finish with 12 markers, along with seven rebounds and two steals. High-flying Filipino wingman Rhenz Abando added 11 points while Ian Miller scored nine points and issued eight assists.
Before this back-to-back championship feat, previous Philippine club team champions include Northern Cement (1982), San Miguel (1985), the Philippine Centennial Team (1998), Gilas Pilipinas (2012), Mighty Sports (2016 and 2019), and Strong Group last year.
“What’s really rare here is the opportunity,” Tiu said in a statement. “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.”
