Strong Group at the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship

The Strong Group Athletics of the Philippines wrapped its campaign in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on Sunday, January 28, at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai, UAE.

The team, which was coached by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde head coach Charles Tiu, was bannered by former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Andre Roberson, Mckenzie Moore, former Gilas players Andray Blatche, Justine Baltazar, and Jordan Heading, and UAAP and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde standouts.

Included in the roster also were UAAP Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao, Francis Escandor, JD Cagulangan, and Benilde Blazers Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, and Allen Liwag.

Here are the game results:

• January 19, 11:15 pm -- Strong Group vs. UAE National Team
  • Final score: Strong Group 82-66 UAE National Team
• January 20, 9:15 pm -- Strong Group vs. Al Wahda
  • Final score: Strong Group 89-67 Al Wahda
• January 21, 11:15 pm -- Strong Group vs. Homenetmen
  • Final score: Strong Group 104-95 Homenetmen
• January 24, 1:15 am -- Strong Group vs. Beirut Sports Club
  • Final score: Strong Group 95-73 Beirut
• January 25, 1:15 am -- Strong Group vs. Al Ahli Tripoli Sports Club
  • Final score: Strong Group 91-89 Al Ahli Tripoli Sports 
• January 27, 1:15 am -- Quarterfinals: Strong Group vs. AS Salé
  • Final score: Strong Group 92-80 AS Salé
• January 28, 1:15 am -- Semifinals: Strong Group vs. Beirut Sports Club
  • Final score: Strong Group 94-72 Beirut Sports Club
• January 28, 11:15 pm -- Finals: Strong Group vs. Al Riyadi
  • Final score: Strong Group 74-77 Al Riyadi

Back in 2023, the Strong Group made a quarterfinals exit after falling to Lebanon's Al Riyadi, 106-97.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News