Strong Group averts collapse vs UAE in Dubai tilt opener

The Philippines' Strong Group averted a late collapse as they eked out a 91-87 win over the UAE National Team to kick off its campaign in the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship on Friday night at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai.

Shabazz Muhammad meant business in the victory as the former NBA player dropped a team-high 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one block while Sedrick Barefield chipped in 23 markers, five boards, five dimes, and one steal as Strong Group went 1-0 in the team standings.

Ex-PBA import Renaldo Balkman also started for the Charles Tiu-mentored club and dropped a double-double effort of 12 points 11 and  rebounds while Nick Young churned out 13 points off the bench.

The locals were led by Jerom Lastimosa and Will Gozum, who contributed six and five points in the game.

Strong Group will next face Al Nasr of Libya on January 28 at 9 p.m. (1 a.m. in the Philippines) with the games to be aired exclusively via delayed telecast on GMA Network on Sunday mornings and on GTV on Saturday nights.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News