PH’s Strong Group dominates Japan Developmental Team to go 2-0 to start Jones Cup

Strong Group-Philippines rode a strong second half to complete a 79-67 win over the Japan Developmental Team and remain spotless so far in the 2025 William Jones Cup on Monday in Taiwan. 

Reinforcement Andre Roberson and DJ Fenner both churned out all-around outings to carry the Philippine representatives to a 2-0 start while the Japanese team went 1-2. 

Roberson dazzled with a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds to go with five blocks and one assist while Fenner backstopped him with 14 markers, eight boards, and one block as they followed up on their 67-56 win against Chinese Taipei Blue on Sunday. 

Roberson and Fenner led an 11-1 rampage that saw Strong Group turn a slim 44-41 lead into a 55-42 cushion late in the third period. Javi Gomez de Liaño and Ian Miller then closed out the frame to help the Philippine team enjoy a 61-51 lead before heading to the payoff period. 

Roberson then knocked down a tough corner triple to make it a 68-53 lead before Roberson converted back-to-back baskets for a 72-57 spread. 

SGA never slowed down from there with Rhenz Abando cleaning up a missed triple from Dave Ildefonso, who would then complete a three-point play to send SGA to a 77-59 advantage with 1:58 left to play. 

Fenner punctuated the win from the stripe, sinking two consecutive free throws as SGA got off to an impressive start in its title defense bid. 

Gomez de Liaño tallied 13 points while Abando finished with 11 markers to go with six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. 

SGA will look to capture its third win in a row on Tuesday when it takes on Qatar national team at 5 p.m. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News