STRONG Group rode a third-quarter storm to beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team, 82-66, in a fiery start to its campaign in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on Saturday morning (Manila time).
Andre Roberson led the second-half shutout with 15 points and 16 rebounds while Dwight Howard, who only played the first two quarters, added 14 points highlighted by a showstopping dunk late in the second frame.
READ: Tiu says 'no complaints' from star-laden Strong Group amid tight schedule
The home team had one last fight in them with a 12-2 run in the closing stretch, cutting Strong Group’s 21-point lead to 11 but just fell flat to the hot hands of Roberson & Co.
Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao had 13 points to his name, shot 5-of-8 from the field, and sank three big treys to put the icing on the cake in Strong Group’s third-quarter rally.
All but Andray Blatche, who was cheered on by the Filipino faithful in attendance despite his shooting woes, scored for Strong Group in a brilliant first act despite limited preparations.
UAE ace guard Hamid Abdullateef’s game-high 19 markers couldn’t get the job done for the hosts despite giving the Philippine side a late scare.
Next up for Strong Group is the Al Wahda Sports Club from Syria on Saturday (9:15 p.m. Manila time).
The scores:
Strong Group (82) - Roberson 15, Howard 14, Quiambao 13, Moore 11, Heading 8, Ynot 5, Sanchez 4, Baltazar 4, Liwag 4, Cagulangan 2, Escandor 2, Blatche 0.
UAE (66) – Abdullateef 19, Dickerson 13, Alshabibi 12, Alameeri 12, Alsawan 4, Ashour 3, Mbaye 2, Hussein 1, Ayman 0, Al Nuaimi 0, Ahmad 0.
Quarterscores: 22-22, 46-40, 64-49, 82-66.
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