Still strong: Strong Group demolishes Bahrain for back-to-back Jones Cup titles

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Strong Group Athletics-Philippines successfully defends its title in the William Jones Cup after rolling past Bahrain in its penultimate game

MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in history, the Philippines can call itself back-to-back champions in the William Jones Cup.

Strong Group Athletics-Philippines successfully defended its title in the Jones Cup after demolishing Bahrain, 92-68, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan on Saturday, July 19.

Despite having one more game left in their schedule, the Filipinos have already clinched the crown in their penultimate game as they remained the only unbeaten team in the nine-team field with a 7-0 record. 

This marks the Philippines’ first-ever back-to-back in the Jones Cup after 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). 

“Feels great to win again,” said Strong Group 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.”

For the nth time this tournament, former NBA defensive specialist Andre Roberson took care of business for the Jacob Lao-owned squad as he produced game-highs of 25 points on 12-of-16 shooting and 14 rebounds, along with 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. 

Import Tajuan Agee backstopped the ex-Oklahoma City Thunder wingman Roberson with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while locals Javi Gomez de Liaño and Rhenz Abando added 12 and 11 points, respectively. 

After Bahrain got to within just 5 points, 63-68, late in the third period, the Philippines mounted a massive 21-1 blast bridging the third and fourth quarters, capped by a three-pointer by Gomez de Liaño for a whopping 89-64 advantage.

Overall, the Filipinos’ stifling defense held Bahrain to only 4 points the entire final frame — while scoring 17 on the other end. 

After securing the championship, Strong Group wraps up its grueling eight-day, eight-game campaign against the winless United Arab Emirates on Sunday, July 20, as it goes for another 8-0 tournament sweep.

“Hoping we can finish it off with a sweep, even with the championship in tow,” said Tiu. – Rappler.com