Mighty Sports kicks off Dubai campaign on high note

MANILA, Philippines—Mighty Sports is off to a blistering start after an easy 87-58 win over American University in Dubai in the Dubai International Basketball Championship Friday at Al Ahli Club Gymnasium.

Justin Brownlee put up 17 points and six rebounds in 18 minutes of play off the bench to lead the Philippine-based team while big man Randolf Morris had 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

The rousing win may have been a perfect start for the team, but head coach Charles Tiu warned that there is still stiffer competition ahead of them.

“We played a good game, but I don’t think this is the real competition,” said Tiu after their game in the group stage. “This is probably the weakest team in the whole tournament.”

Lamar Odom, seen as the team’s poster boy, struggled in his first competitive basketball game scoring four points, on 2-of-10 shooting, but tallied seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

Mighty Sports owner Alex Wongchuking is aware that Odom still has to get his footing after being out of the sport for four years but he is glad the former Los Angeles Laker is back in the game.

“He may have yet to show his sharp form of old but we are more than glad to see him enjoy the sport he loves,” said Wongchuking. “He played most to the crowd and for sure he will only get better from hereon.”

Mahmoud Trab had a game-high 20 points for AUD.