Strong Group barges into Dubai semis after ousting Morocco team
Andre Roberson.–STRONG GROUP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Andre Roberson led Strong Group Athletics (SGA) to the Dubai International Basketball Championship semifinal after knocking out AS Sale of Morocco, 92-80, on Saturday morning (Manila time) at Al Nasr Club.
Roberson, a former Oklahoma City Thunder, showed the way for the Philippine side with 18 points and nine rebounds to enter the Final Four, where they will face Beirut Sports Club on Sunday (Manila time).
The two-way winger put on the finishing touches, pouring in six of SGA’s late 9-0 run to tally their biggest margin, 87-71, and keep AS Sale at bay with 2:23 left in their quarterfinal game.
Ex-NBA star Dwight Howard, once again, had a dominant showing with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while McKenzie Moore also scored 17 and tallied seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Kevin Quiambao, who was part of the SGA team that was eliminated in the quarterfinal last year, slayed the ghost of their past as he contributed 15 points and five assists. Justine Baltazar chipped in eight points and five rebounds, while Jordan Heading had six points, five rebounds, and five assists.
SGA remained unbeaten in six games after sweeping all its five matches in the group stage.
The Charles Tiu-coached team is eyeing to become the second squad from the Philippines to rule the Dubai International Basketball Championship after Mighty Sports’ successful run in 2020.
AS Sale leaned on Ramon Galloway, who had 27 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Tyler Williams had 20 points and six rebounds.
The Scores:
Strong Group Athletics (92) – Roberson 18, Howard 17, Moore 17, Quiambao 15, Baltazar 8, Heading 6, Blatche 4, Ynot 3, Cagulangan 2, Liwag 2, Escandor 0, Sanchez 0.
AS Sale (80) – Galloway 27, Williams 20, Al Quraishi 6, Benchlikha 5, Kourdou 4, Buqisho 4, Al Mohseni 2, Benabou 2.
Quarterscores: 19-21, 44-36, 67-59, 92-80.
