Strong Group downs Libya squad to complete group sweep in Dubai tilt

The Strong Group Athletics completed a sweep of its group stage games after squeaking past Libya's Al Ahli Tripoli, 91-89, on early Thursday in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.

Holding an 89-82 advantage with 2:07 left in the final frame, Strong Group saw its lead cut as the Al Ahli Tripoli made a 6-0 run. Jordan Heading's freebies after a foul by Naseim Badrush gave the Philippine representative a 91-88 lead with 18 seconds left.

The team from Libya tried to tie the game with two triples but both missed. Wajdi Omran Dawo split his free throws as he was fouled by Heading, before Strong Group eventually took their fifth win.

The Strong Group led, 51-50, at the end of the first half as they erased a 12-point advantage by the Libya team in the first quarter.

Heading paced Strong Group with 19 points, while Howard and Kevin Quiambao chipped in 17 points apiece. 

Badrush led the Al Ahli Tripoli with 27 points.

Strong Group will be heading to the quarterfinals with a 5-0 card.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News