Kevin Quiambao.–STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Strong Group Athletics (SGA) rode on the hot hands of La Salle pair Kevin Quiambao and Francis Escandor to dominate Syrian squad Al Wahda, 89-67, for its second straight win in the Dubai International Basketball Championship on Saturday evening at Al Nasr Club.
Quiambao, the reigning UAAP MVP, was perfect from beyond the arc, hitting all his six three-pointers to finish with a game-high 24 points on top of five rebounds, and two assists.
His fellow Green Archer and Season 86 champion, Escandor also caught fire hitting 5-of-6 from the three-point line to finish with 18 points in just 15 minutes of action.
Quiambao gave Strong Group its the biggest lead of 27 points, 82-55, after hitting his last triple with 4:15 left in the game to keep SGA unbeaten in two games following an 82-66 win over the United Arab Emirates national team less than 24 hours ago.
The La Salle duo provided 11 of SGA’s 17 triples in the game.
Former Gilas naturalized player Andray Blatche set the tone to pull away midway through the first quarter as he delivered 12 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists from the Philippine side’s bench, which had 41 points. Jordan Heading also scored 12, while McKenzie Moore chipped in eight points, six assists, and four rebounds.
Ex-NBA star Dwight Howard only scored five points but had 10 rebounds and four blocks, as Andre Roberson had five points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Myron Jordan led Al Wahda with 19 points and five rebounds, while Jomaru Hohadbrown had 17 points.
Strong Group eyes its third win against Lebanon’s Homenetmen on Sunday at 11:15 p.m. (Manila time).
The scores:
Strong Group (89) – Quiambao 24, Escandor 18, Heading 12, Blatche 12, Moore 8, Howard 5, Roberson 5, Baltazar 3, Ynot 2, Cagulangan 0, Sanchez 0, Liwag 0.
Al Wahda (67) – Jordan 19, Hohadbrown 17, Alhamwi 10, Dejohn Banks 8, Arbasha 5, Jlelati 4, Otabachi 2, Kassabali 2, Aljabi 0, Ghaith 0, Al Osh 0, Canbolat 0.
Quarterscores: 23-14, 43-30, 64-48, 89-67.