Undermanned Strong Group beats Japan U22, stays unbeaten in Jones Cup

Despite being undermanned, Strong Group Athletics Philippines defeated Japan's U22 team, 92-79, on Friday in the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taiwan.

The Philippine representative missed the services of Ange Kouame, Rhenz Abando, and Tajuan Agee due to injuries and illness.

Still, Strong Group relied on a strong first half, making 32 points against Japan's 18 points in the second quarter, to claim a 54-36 advantage after the first two quarters.

Geo Chiu's freebies at around the 4:00 mark of the final frame gave Strong Group a 24-point lead, 86-62, before eventually claiming its sixth straight win.

Chris McCullough towed Strong Group with 26 points, while DJ Fenner added 17 points for the Philippines.

Hiyuu Ozawa led Japan with 17 points.

Strong Group will go against Chinese Taipei's White Team (Team B) on Saturday at 5 p.m.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News