Red-hot Strong Group mauls Malaysia in battle of undefeated teams in Jones Cup

Strong Group Athletics (SGA) Philippines broke the floodgates after a compelling fourth quarter surge to pull off an 89-54 win against Malaysia and remain unscathed in the 2024 William Jones Cup on Wednesday in Taiwan.

Searching for an answer following a Malaysia run in the third period, the Philippine representatives found it in the payoff period where the nationals ignited from downtown and never looked back since then to improve to 4-0. 

The Malaysians, meanwhile, absorbed their first loss to go 3-1. 

Five players from SGA poured in double digit scoring with Chris McCullough churning out 16 points and five rebounds while Rhenz Abando and Tajuan Agee chipped in 14 and 12 markers each to provide the support. 

Ange Kouame finished with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds as DJ Fenner tallied 10 markers. 

Behind John Murry, Malaysia was able to tie things up at 46-all in the third frame, to which the Strong Group responded with a 13-3 run capped by an Abando triple to end the quarter ahead by 11, 59-48. 

It was all SGA from that point on with RJ Abarrientos, Dave Ildefonso, and even Kouame burying much-needed three-pointers to make it a sizable 81-54 cushion. 

They then unloaded another 8-0 blast to seal the match, which was expected to be a tight one after Malaysia dominated its first three opponents. 

Murry top-scored Malaysia with 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists while Joseph Obasa, who previously suited up for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP, registered 13 markers, six boards, and three blocks. 

SGA returns to action on Thursday against Future Sports USA at 1 p.m. to further inch closer to a sweep. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News