MANILA – Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas turned things around in the second half to defeat thee Future Sports Basketball Team of United States, 112-90, in the 43rd William Jones Cup on Thursday at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Down 56-60 at the half, the SGA-Pilipinas went on a run in the third quarter behind inside hits by Chris McCullough and Tajuan Agee and outside shots from Kiefer Ravena and Rhon Jay Abarrientos for an 89-76 lead.
The SGA-Pilipinas went on with their run in the fourth quarter with outside shots from Abarrientos and Rhenz Abando as the lead reached its largest at 22 points late in the game.
McCullough top-scored for the SGA-Pilipinas with 24 points to go with 11 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals as they secured their fifth win in as many games.
Agee added 19 markers, Abarrientos and Jordan Heading contributed 17 and 11 points, respectively, while Angelo Kouame and Allen Liwag ended with 10 points apiece for the SGA-Pilipinas.
Hammer Moss led Future Basketball with 18 points, Elliot Ryan added 15 markers, while Thomas Demetrius, Deshaun Malik, and Kavaughn Scott had 14, 13, and 11, respectively. They dropped to 1-5.
On Wednesday night, Abarrientos showcased his passing ability to lead the SGA-Pilipinas to an 89-54 domination over Malaysia Harimau Men, the Philippine squad’s fourth win in the tournament.
The incoming Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings rookie dished out 12 assists to go with his nine points, four rebounds, and two steals for the SGA-Pilipinas.
McCullough led the way for SGA-Pilipinas with 16 points, Abando added 14 markers, while Agee, Kouame, and Derrick Fenner Jr. contributed 12, 11, and 10 markers, respectively.
The SGA-Pilipinas will return to action on Friday afternoon against the Japan national men’s basketball team./PN
BOX SCORE:
SGA-PILIPINAS 112 — McCullough 24, Agee 19, Abarrientos 17, Heading 11, Kouame 10, Liwag 10, Abando 9, Ildefonso 7, Ravena 3, Manalili 2, Tiongson 0, Fenner 0.
FUTURE SPORTS 90 — Moss 18, Ryan 15, Demetrius 14, Malik 13, Scott 11, Smith 9, Agyemang 6, Sobers 2, Anthony 2.
Quarterscores: 29-28, 56-60, 89-76, 112-90.
