Strong Group Athletics secured its third consecutive victory by defeating Homenetmen, 104-95, in the Dubai International Basketball Championship at Al Nasr Club on Monday, January 22.
Former NBA star Dwight Howard displayed dominance by making 12 out of 13 field goal attempts, totaling 32 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks in an outstanding performance against the Lebanese club team.
Current UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao contributed 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while naturalized Filipino player Andray Blatche added 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson provided 13 points and eight rebounds, with McKenzie Moore adding 12 points for Strong Group. The team secured control of the game by outscoring Homenetmen 29-19 in a pivotal third-quarter offensive.
Homenetmen initially took a 24-15 lead and maintained it, leading 48-42 at halftime. Nevertheless, Strong Group rallied and took control with a 71-67 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
Although the Lebanese team narrowed the gap to five at 94-99, a three-point play by Mckenzie Moore and a slam dunk by Quiambao sealed the victory, closing the door on their comeback attempt.
Homenetmen, now 0-2 in the group stage, had contributions from American import Eli Holman with 18 points and Dewayne Jackson with 16. Despite the effort, they couldn’t secure a win. Zachary Lofton led Homenetmen with 37 points in the defeat.
On its X (formerly Twitter) profile, Strong Group Athletics identified itself as the “hub for professional and amateur sports teams in the Philippines.”
Strong Group advanced to a 3-0 record, tying for the lead with Libyan team Al Ahli-Tripoli, which previously defeated the host UAE with a score of 94-75.
Here is the final score of the game:
Strong Group (Philippines): 104 – Howard 32, Quiambao 19, Blatche 18, Roberson 13, Moore 12, Baltazar 8, Heading 2, Sanchez 0, Cagulangan 0, Escandor 0.
Homenetmen (Lebanon): 95 – Lofton 37, Hadidan 21, Holman 18, Jackson 16, Khalil 2, Salem 1, Akiki 0, Ajemian 0, Chivichyan 0.
Quarters: 17-24, 42-48, 71-67, 104-95.
Also Read: Dwight Howard to play in the Philippines team Strong Group
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