Strong Group Athletics’ Derrick Fenner during a Jones Cup game against Japan U22. –SGA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Strong Group Athletics remained perfect after clobbering Japan Under-22 national team, 92-79, in the 43rd William Jones Cup at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan on Friday.
The Philippine side played without Ange Kouame, Rhenz Abando and Tajuan Agee.
“We need to win this to assure us of the chance to play for the championship against Chinese Taipei on Sunday,” wrote coach Charles Tiu on X just minutes before their game.
SCHEDULE: Strong Group Athletics at Jones Cup 2024
“A bit undermanned without Agee (who’s in the ER for his sickness), Abando’s swollen hand and Ange with a swollen knee.”
Strong Group Athletics moved to two wins away from sweeping the competition and winning the Jones Cup crown.
The win also came just a day after Tiu’s team prevailed over Future Sports-USA, 112-90.
READ: Jones Cup: Strong Group pulls away to beat USA’s Future Sports
Chris McCullough once again lead SGA with 26 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Derrick Fenner also helped the cause with 17 points while Jordan Heading scored 11.
Hiyuu Ozawa’s 17-point outburst was for naught as Japan U22 dropped to 3-3 in the competition.
Up next for SGA is Chinese Taipei-B on Saturday at 5 pm at the same venue.