Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas notched its third straight win in the 45th Williams Jones Cup, overwhelming Japan, 107-86, on Tuesday evening.
The victory marked Strong Group’s third consecutive win after its opening-day setback against South Korea’s Wonju DB Promy and gave them a clean sweep in their two matchups against Japan.
Japan Takes Early Lead
Strong Group endured another slow start as Japan dictated the pace in the opening period. The Japanese side grabbed a 31-28 advantage after the first quarter, forcing the Philippine representatives to adjust on both ends of the floor.
Strong Group eventually found its rhythm in the second quarter. Ian Miller, Tajuan Agee, Isaiah Piñeiro, and DJ Fenner spearheaded a huge offensive turnaround as the team exploded for 33 points while holding Japan to just 14. The surge allowed SGA to enter halftime with a commanding 61-45 lead.
Strong Group Banks on Hot Shooting
The Charles Tiu-coach squad carried its momentum into the second half, overwhelming Japan with efficient shooting and aggressive offense. Piñeiro and Fenner each connected from beyond the arc before Boban Marjanović converted inside to extend the lead to 87-60 heading into the final period.
The back-to-back champions eventually stretched their advantage to as many as 31 points during a 17-0 run, effectively putting the game out of reach. Strong Group finished shooting 55.9 percent from the field, including 64.1 percent inside the arc. They also knocked down 13 of 29 attempts from three-point range and won the rebounding battle, 41-34.
Isaiah Piñeiro Replicates Impressive Performance
Piñeiro, just as in their first meeting with Japan, led the Strong Group offense with a game-high 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting, adding 5 rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
Agee provided another major spark off the bench, tallying 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 blocks, while posting a team-best plus-33 rating. Remy Martin added 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Miller and Fenner chipped in 12 points apiece. Matthew Wright contributed 10 points, and Titing Manalili stepped up with 9 points and 3 assists in just 13 minutes.
Marjanović controlled the interior with 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Japan was led by Hayato Wakugawa, who scored 26 points, while Gakuto Arai added 17.
Redemption Awaits Against Wonju DB Promy
The win gives Strong Group valuable momentum heading into its highly anticipated rematch against Wonju DB Promy on Wednesday, August 19, at 3:00 p.m.
South Korea remains unbeaten at 3-0 and handed SGA its only loss of the tournament, a 110-79 blowout in the opener. With the top two teams advancing to the semifinals, Strong Group will have a chance to settle the score and strengthen its position in Group A.
