Jones Cup: Strong Group pulls away to beat USA’s Future Sports

MANILA, Philippines — Strong Group Athletics unleashed a second-half surge to beat USA’s Future Sports, 112-90, and remain unbeaten in five games in the 43rd William Jones Cup on Thursday in Taipei.

Chris McCollough led the collective effort of the Philippine side with an all-around game of 24 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three blocks for a 5-0 record.

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SCHEDULE: Strong Group Athletics at Jones Cup 2024

Strong Group trailed the Americans at the half, 56-60, but came out and scored 33 points in the third quarter with McCullough and Tajuan Agee leading the way for a commanding 89-76 lead heading to the payoff period.

McCullough and the Filipinos maintained their momentum in the fourth to win by 22 points, inching three wins closer to the Jones Cup title.

Agee also delivered for SGA with 19 points and six rebounds. RJ Abarrientos, the incoming Ginebra rookie, was the top local performer with 17 points off four triples. Jordan Heading chipped in 11 points, while Allen Liwag and Ange Kouame added 10 points each.

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READ: PH-Strong Group dumps Malaysia, improves to 4-0 in Jones Cup

Rhenz Abando fired three treys to finish with nine points as SGA battles Japan next.

USA leaned on Bowen Hammer, who had 18 points. Marcus Elliott had 15 points.

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