Strong Group clinches back-to-back Jones Cup titles with rout of Bahrain ahead of final game vs UAE

Strong Group-Philippines dominated the second half to turn a close contest into a 92-68 rout of Bahrain in their virtual title clash at the 2025 William Jones Cup on Saturday in Taiwan.

Andre Roberson led the way with a double-double outing of 25 points and 14 rebounds laced with three assists, two steals, and one block while Tajuan Agee posted 19 markers, eight boards, two dimes, one steal, and block as they soared to a 7-0 card. 

With that win-loss record, the Philippine representative is already assured of finishing at the top spot as Bahrain fell to a 6-2 slate. The campaign, however, isn't done yet for Strong Group as it will still take on the winless UAE on Sunday in bid to complete a title sweep. 

Against Bahrain, Strong Group showed no signs of slowing down as they turned a slim 54-43 halftime lead to a 60-49 cushion early in the third before Bahrain slowly found their groove and cut the deficit to six, 64-58.

But Javi Gomez de Liaño, who was scoreless through the first two quarters, caught fire and buried nine of his overall points as part of an 11-6 run that stretched Strong Group's lead to 11 again, 75-64. 

Roberson delivered the finishing blow in the fourth quarter, cleaning up Kiefer Ravena’s missed three before throwing down a powerful two-handed slam in transition, pushing SGA’s lead to 86-64.

Gomez de Liaño then knocked down another three-pointer that proved to be the dagger as SGA maintained their immaculate run so far. 

Gomez de Liaño led the local support with 12 points together with seven rebounds and two steals while Rhenz Abando chipped in 11 markers.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News