Strong Group rips Syria by 26 to remain perfect in Dubai tourney

Philippine bet Strong Group extended its immaculate run in the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship after dismantling Al Wahda of Syria, 87-61, on Tuesday morning (Manila time) at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai.

Strong Group improved to 3-0 after the wire-to-wire victory. The club had also previously defeated the UAE National Team, 91-87, in their first game and Al Nasr of Libya, 93-76, in their most recent assignment.

Shabazz Muhammad was in his element, churning out a game-high 37 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and one assist while Renaldo Balkman flirted with a double-double outing of nine markers, 10 boards, and two blocks.

Sedrick Barefield was also pivotal, listing 10 points, six dimes, and five rebounds while leading the locals was Adamson guard Jerom Lastimosa who finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

“We have been improving every game and this was our best defensive performance," said head coach Charles Tiu.

“Shabazz carried us offensively, he was great so we kept riding him but the defense was solid today and I am happy."

Strong Group will look to close out the group stage with an unscathed slate when it goes up against Dynamo of Lebanon on February 1 at 11 p.m. Games will be aired via delayed telecast on GMA Network.

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—JMB, GMA Integrated News