Strong Group falters vs. Al Riyadi in wild Dubai finals encounter

The Strong Group Athletics could not complete its revenge tour against Al Riyadi, falling just short of a comeback attempt, 77-74, in their title clash in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on early Monday (Manila time). 

Al Riyadi, the defending champion, was the same team that dealt Strong Group a quarterfinal loss during the 2023 edition before winning the tournament altogether. 

A 19-point deficit early in the third period was all the Philippine representatives needed to restore order as the tandem of Andre Roberson and Mckenzie Moore fueled a fightback that allowed them to pose a threat against the defending champions. 

The two reinforcements, alongside guard Jordan Heading, instigated a wild 21-6 closing rampage in the third to slice the gap to just four, 61-57, before marching to the payoff period. Before that, the Charles Tiu-led squad once stared at a 55-36 hole. 

Roberson and Heading continued their hot shooting, uncorking the fourth with back-to-back three-pointers to give Strong Group a 65-61 cushion. 

Al Riyadi refused to ease on the gas pedal with Amir Saoud burying a buzzer-beating triple that allowed them to retake a 72-67 lead before Strong Group retaliated with a quick 7-2 barrage capped by a Heading triple to tie things up at 74-all. 

Roberson had the chance to put them in the lead, but he missed out on a potential dagger from downtown.

Ismail Abdelmoneim then made them pay, nailing the game-winning triple with three ticks left. 

Gabriel Harries, whose triple broke a 66-all deadlock, paced Al Riyadi with 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals while mainstay Wael Arakji chipped in 16 markers, three boards, and three dimes.

Roberson starred with a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds while Dwight Howard posted 18 markers and 12 boards, but those were not enough to carry Strong Group. 

Kevin Quiambao was also held scoreless in the loss after consistent double-digit scoring in the past games. 

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News