MANILA – Mighty Sports-Philippines had a rousing start in the 30th Dubai International Basketball Championship after an 87-58 win over American University-Dubai on Friday night at the Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Justin Brownlee led the way with 17 points, while Filipino-American Jeremiah Gray, Randolph Morris and Jett Manuel added 15, 14 and 12 markers, respectively, for the Philippine representatives.
Former NBA cager Lamar Odom, in his first game in five years, tallied four points, seven rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes of play for the Charles Tiu-mentored Mighty Sports.
Mighty Sports got its shooting going early with Brownlee and Morris conspiring on offense for a 23-9 lead. It grew further to 47-20 at the half with the American University struggling with their offense.
The Philippine squad continued with its domination in the second half with Manuel and Gray anchoring the offense for its largest lead of the match at 60-25 on a dunk by Gray in the third period.
Mahmoud Trab was the lone bright spot for the American University as he finished with 20 points and seven rebounds.
After taking on the United Arab Emirates national squad on Saturday evening, the Mighty Sports-Philippines will plunge back to action tonight against Homenetmen (Lebanon)./PN
