Strong Group survives Malaysia to remain perfect in Jones Cup

The Strong Group Athletics survived Malaysia, 106-98, to remain perfect in six games in the Jones Cup in Taiwan on Friday.

After taking a 87-64 lead by the end of the third, Malaysia made a 20-10 run to cut its deficit with five minutes to play in the fourth period. The Philippine representative, however, held off the Malaysians to claim the victory.

“It was not the best game for us defensively, but we got the job done,” said head coach Charles Tiu.

“We were also able to rest Dre [Roberson] and Tajuan [Agee], which is crucial. Now all focus for us is our game tomorrow against Bahrain — our championship game.”

The game against Bahrain will serve as a championship game as it also holds a 6-0 record like Strong Group. The team with the best record by the end of the tournament will be hailed as champions.

DJ Fenner led the Strong Group with 20 points, eight boards, and four assists, while Ange Kouame and Geo Chiu registered double-double performances with the former having 11 points and 10 boards, while the latter had 12 points and 10 rebounds, as well.

NCAA MVP Allen Liwag, meanwhile, had 16 points and Kiefer Ravena had 17 points.

The Strong Group will play Bahrain on Saturday at 3 p.m.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News