Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas has now won back-to-back games at the 45th William Jones Cup, overpowering host Chinese Taipei Blue, 97-78, on Sunday evening.
The victory gave the two-time defending champions their second straight win after dropping their opening-day assignment to Wonju DB Promy, improving their Group A record to 2-1 and keeping them within striking distance of the unbeaten South Korean squad.
Strong Group Starts Strong
Strong Group immediately asserted itself, racing to a 20-10 advantage in the opening quarter. Chinese Taipei Blue responded by finding its rhythm from beyond the arc, draining five triples in the second period and briefly taking a 30-29 lead.
The Philippine side quickly regained control by pushing the pace and attacking in transition. Isaiah Piñeiro and DJ Fenner provided the spark as Strong Group closed the first half on a surge, entering halftime ahead, 52-40.
Boban Marjanović Dominates Inside
Strong Group maintained its momentum after the break, with Boban Marjanović delivering his best performance of the tournament so far.
The 7-foot-4 Serbian center converted an and-one floater before scoring on a follow-up layup, extending the lead to 58-45. Remy Martin then buried a three-pointer to make it 65-48.
Marjanović continued to impose his will in the paint, while Piñeiro added another triple as Strong Group built a commanding 77-60 cushion heading into the fourth quarter.
Chinese Taipei Blue Falls Short in Late Rally
Chinese Taipei Blue attempted one final push in the fourth, trimming the deficit to 12 after a 6-0 run.
Strong Group, however, quickly snuffed out the rally with a 7-0 counter. William Navarro sealed the win with a one-handed slam off a feed from Titing Manalili with 35 seconds left.
The Philippine side ultimately cruised to a 19-point victory.
Balanced Attack Powers SGA to Second Win
Piñeiro and Tajuan Agee paced Strong Group with 19 points apiece. Piñeiro also grabbed 5 rebounds, while Agee contributed 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, and 1 block.
Fenner finally found his rhythm after struggling in the team’s first two games, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Martin added 13 points and seven assists in a strong all-around effort.
Marjanović posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, along with three assists and a block.
The victory capped Strong Group’s first-round campaign on a high note, giving the team valuable momentum heading into the second phase of the tournament.
Strong Group will return to action on Tuesday, August 18, against Japan at 3:00 p.m., aiming to replicate its earlier 78-72 win over the Japanese side.
