Strong Group overpowers USA to stretch unbeaten Jones Cup run

Strong, indeed. The Strong Group-Pilipinas pulled away in the third quarter and blasted USA, 112-90, to remain undefeated in the William Jones Cup Thursday afternoon. With the victory, the Philippine squad is now 5-0 in the tourney thus far. McCullough Chris (208-F-1995, college: Syracuse) paced the Filipinos with a monster statline of 24 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists. The Americans held a four-point lead, 60-56, at the half as Demetrius Thomas led the way. SGA, however, started the second half with a 14-3 run capped by a short stab by McCullough to go up by seven, 70-63, at the 5:54 mark of the third quarter. A long two by Bowen Hammer snapped the run, but the Philippine side just could not be stopped as they took an 89-76 lead heading to the final frame. This completely fired up SGA, as it led by as much as 22 points in the fourth canto, 110-88, with 52.7 seconds left off an Allen Liwag (198-F) deuce. They made 29 of their 53 field goal attempts and sank 13 of 34 3-point attempts. Tajuan Agee (204-PF-1997, college: Iona) finished with 19 points, while RJ Abarrientos added 17 markers and three dimes. Hammer spearheaded the Americans with 18 points. SGA will face Japan U22 next on Friday, 1 p.m.
Courtesy of: philstar.com