Strong Group trips Malaysia, stays unscathed ahead of crucial Jones Cup tiff

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Strong Group Athletics-Philippines extends its unbeaten run to 6-0 ahead of its virtual gold-medal match against Bahrain in the 2025 William Jones Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group Athletics-Philippines inched closer to defending its William Jones Cup crown after turning back Malaysia, 106-98, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan on Friday, July 18. 

With the victory, Strong Group extended its unbeaten run to 6-0 ahead of its virtual gold-medal match against fellow undefeated squad Bahrain on Saturday, July 19.

As of posting time, Bahrain also carries a perfect 6-0 slate before its crucial matchup against Chinese Taipei-Blue later this evening. 

“It was not the best game for us defensively, but we got the job done,” said Strong Group mentor Charles Tiu of the team’s eight-point win against Malaysia.

“We were also able to rest Dre [Roberson] and Tajuan [Agee], which is crucial. Now all focus for us is our game tomorrow against Bahrain — our championship game.”

“They’ve got two imports and a EuroLeague-level coach, so Bahrain’s been well-coached and solid all tournament — that’s why they’re undefeated too. Regardless of their game against Chinese Taipei tonight, it’s a must-win for us,” he added.

With Roberson playing very limited minutes and Agee sitting out the entire match, it was Filipino-American guard DJ Fenner who topped Strong Group’s scoring column with 20 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, to go with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Kiefer Ravena supported Fenner with 17 points built on a team-best four treys, while Dave Ildefonso, Geo Chiu, and Ange Kouame chipped in 13, 12, and 11 markers, respectively. 

The Filipinos were comfortably ahead, 87-64, at the end of the third period, before the gritty Malaysians mounted a huge fourth-quarter rally, pulling within just 13 points, 84-97, with still under five minutes to play. 

Unfortunately for Malaysia, the lead the Philippines built early on was simply too much to overcome late as it dropped to its fourth loss in six matches. 

Strong Group overcame a massive scoring performance by Steven Green, who exploded for 50 points on 17-of-38 field goal clip for Malaysia in the losing effort. – Rappler.com