Strong Group routs Beirut Sports, advances to finals in Dubai

The Strong Group Athletics took down Beirut Sports Club, 94-72, on early Sunday (Manila time) in the semifinals of the Dubai International Basketball Championship to advance to the tournament's finals.

After leading by five, 22-17, at the end of the first quarter, the Strong Group outscored Beirut, 28-17, in the second frame to take a 50-34 lead at the end of the first half.

Strong Group led by 26, 75-49, as Dwight Howard opened the fourth quarter scoring before the Philippine representative eventually took its seventh straight win.

Howard posted 26 points and 20 rebounds, while Kevin Quiambao had 18 points. Justine Baltazar and Jordan Heading chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Dar Tucker led Beirut with 22 points.

Strong Group will face Lebanon's Al Riyadi Club in the finals at 9:15 p.m.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News