LA SALLE aces Kevin Quiambao and Francis Escandor made it rain in Dubai, combining for 11 treys as Strong Group Athletics beat Syria’s Al Wahda, 89-67, in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on Saturday night.
The reigning UAAP MVP had the lion’s share of Strong Group’s 17 three-pointers and went 6-of-6 from distance to cap a game-high 24-point night as the Philippine side made it two wins in a row.
READ: Strong Group drubs UAE in fiery start to Dubai campaign
Andray Blatche also made up for his scoreless debut with 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists on top of another stellar 12-piece from Jordan Heading.
It was a breakout night, however, for the young Escandor who made the most of his 15 minutes of play with 18 big points off the bench (eight in the fourth quarter).
Rare scoring slumps from Strong Group’s imports paved the way for crucial defensive contributions instead, with Dwight Howard picking up 10 rebounds and four blocks on top of Andre Roberson's seven boards and one steal.
Meanwhile, playmaking duties were in order for McKenzie Moore with six assists and eight points to complete a strong second showing for the Philippine side.
Strong Group looks to match its three-game unbeaten run last year versus a struggling Homenetmen side on Sunday (11:15 p.m. Manila time). The Lebanese side lost its tournament opener by 22 points to Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli.
The scores:
Strong Group (89) - Quiambao 24, Escandor 18, Heading 12, Blatche 12, Moore 8, Howard 5, Roberson 5, Baltazar 3, Ynot 2, Cagulangan 0, Sanchez 0, Liwag 0.
Al Wahda (67) - Jordan 19, Hohadbrown 17, Alhamwi 10, Dejohn Banks 8, Arbasha 5, Jlelati 4, Otabachi 2, Kassabali 2, Aljabi 0, Ghaith 0, Al Osh 0, Canbolat 0.
Quarterscores: 23-14, 43-30, 64-48, 89-67.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
