Strong Group seals Finals stint in Dubai

(UPDATE) FORMER NBA star Dwight Howard registered a double-double while Kevin Quiambao delivered his usual offense as Strong Group Athletics (SGA) rolled past Beirut Sports Club 94-72 to book a Finals seat in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on Sunday morning at the Al Nasr Club in UAE.

The 38-year-old Howard bulldozed his way for 26 points and 20 rebounds, teaming up with Quiambao who churned out 18 on three triples against the Lebanese club team, which SGA defeated 95-73 in the group stage.

Strong Group Athletics will have little time to rest as the team owned by businessmen Frank and Jacob Lao face off against 2023 tormentor and reigning champion Al Riyadi in the tournament finale.

Al Riyadi reached the championship round still unscathed after dumping Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya 83-73 Saturday night.

The Philippine club team bowed to Al Riyadi during last year’s quarterfinal collision, thus giving the Charles Tiu-mentored squad an added motivation heading to the knockout Finals.

Both teams, who reached the final round unbeaten in seven games, collide for the championship on Sunday night (11:15 p.m. Manila time).

Justine Baltazar added 15 points while Jordan Heading had 10 for Strong Group, which had more assists 21-9 and outrebounded Beirut Sports Club 45-37.