Strong Group silences Chinese Taipei B, moves on verge of Jones Cup title sweep

Chris McCullough and Kiefer Ravena picked up the scoring cudgels to steer Strong Group Athletics to a masterful 96-70 win over Chinese Taipei B in their spotless campaign so far in the 2024 William Jones Cup on Saturday in Taiwan. 

The Philippine team cruised to a 7-0 card to move a win away from sweeping the tournament altogether with one more assignment on Sunday against Chinese Taipei A. 

Former PBA import McCullough starred anew, hammering out 25 points, seven rebounds, an assist, and a steal while Ravena led the local cast with 14 markers, six boards, two dimes, and a swat. 

A Jordan Heading triple propelled Strong Group to take its biggest lead of 34, 69-35, before Chinese Taipei staged a fightback and trimmed its deficit to just 23, 75-52. That was the closest they could get with McCullough sparking his own run with five straight points to close out the penultimate period, 80-52. 

Ravena then delivered on both ends in the payoff period, burying a three-pointer before issuing the pass that led to a DJ Fenner dunk halfway through as they secured another 30-point advantage at 91-61. 

Young guns RJ Abarrientos and Titing Manalili joined in on the shootout party to seal the deal. 

Abarrientos, who was recently drafted third overall by Barangay Ginebra, chipped in 13 points while Fenner and Jordan Heading tallied 12 and 11 points apiece. 

SGA will look to go for the clincher on Sunday, when it takes on Chinese Taipei A at 7 p.m. at the same venue. Should Chinese Taipei A beat BSBL Guardians later, their clash on Sunday will be a virtual championship game. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News