Mighty Sports barges into Dubai tournament final

Mighty Sports vs Sale during semi-finals of the 31st Dubai International Basketball Championship at Shabab Al Ahli club in Dubai. January 31, 2020. Photo by Patrick Arias Castillo

Mighty Sports held off AS Sale of Morocco, 80-76, to make the finals of the 31st Dubai International Basketball Championship late Friday at Shabab Al Ahli Club in the United Arab Emirates.

Renaldo Balkman powered the Philippine side with 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field on top of five rebounds in 34 minutes.

“It was a tough game and good thing Renaldo carried us to victory,” said Mighty Sports coach Charles Tiu. “We have to be consistent from start to end if we are to win the championship.”

Mighty shoots for the title against defending champion Al Riyadi of Lebanon early Sunday.

The Lebanese also needed to overcome a thrilling semifinals encounter, escaping Hoops Club, 91-90.

Andray Blatche backed Balkman up with his sixth straight double-double in the tournament of 17 points and 11 rebounds while Mikey Williams scattered chipped in 12 points built on three triples.

Blatche put Mighty Sports ahead, 78-66, with a little over three minutes left before AS Sale fought back.