MANILA – Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas overcame a late uprising by Beirut First for an 85-78 victory in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) in Dubai, UAE.
Already ahead by as many as 21 points at 75-54 after a three-pointer by Mikey Williams, the SGA-Pilipinas were surprised by a huge 17-3 scoring run by Beirut to cut the deficit to 71-78 with over three minutes left.
The SGA-Pilipinas increased the lead back to double-digits on baskets from DeMarcus Cousins, Jason Brickman, and Chris McCullough before Beirut connected some shots in the final minutes for the final score.
Cousins led the way with 26 points, including four three-point conversions, to go with 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block as the SGA-Pilipinas improved to a 3-0 record.
Naturalized center Angelo Kouame added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Dave Ildefonso contributed 12 markers, including nine in the opening half, for the Philippine representatives.
“I told them Beirut is a very dangerous team, and we need to be on our toes for the full 40 minutes and can’t afford to let up at any point in the game” SGA-Pilipinas head coach Charles Tiu said in a statement posted on the SGA website.
Sergio El Darwich top-scored for Beirut First with 26 points, Mohamad Ali Haidar added 18 markers, while Ali Mezher had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The SGA-Pilipinas will have a one-day break before resuming to action against the Amman United of Jordan on Wednesday night (Thursday, January 30, 1:00 a.m., Manila time).
“It (is) good to finally get a break, rest, and allow the guys time to explore parts of Dubai. It’s the first time for most of them to visit this place,” Tiu said./PN
BOX SCORE:
SGA-PILIPINAS 85 — Cousins 26, Kouame 14, Ildefonso 12, Williams 8, Richardson 7, Blatche 6, McCullough 6, Abando 4, Brickman 2, Sanchez 0, Liwag 0.
BEIRUT 78 — El Darwich 26, Haidar 18, Mezhar 10, Ledo 7, Farmer 7, Mahmoud 5, Kadji 5, Khoury 0.
Quarterscores: 15-13, 49-34, 69-52, 85-78.
