Jones Cup MVP Chris McCullough hits back at game-fixing claims

Strong Group’s Chris McCullough receives his Jones Cup MVP award.–SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—American forward Chris McCullough clapped back at accusations about game-fixing in Strong Group Athletics’ championship-clinching win over Chinese Taipei-A in the 43rd William Jones Cup last Sunday.

McCullough caught flak after playing his worst game of the Jones Cup in the finale where he had just 12 points and five rebounds and fouled out with still two minutes left in overtime.

The former San Miguel Beermen import in the PBA admitted he wasn’t in his usual element in the title game but described the game-fixing allegations as “ridiculous.”

READ: Strong Group wins Jones Cup title, escapes Chinese Taipei-A

“I always rep the flag wherever I played so for some of you fans who’re saying all of this nonsense is ridiculous. [Just] because I didn’t have the best game in a championship game now I fix games? Come on now,” wrote McCullough on X.

“It happens and it is what it is. It’s always the next man up.”

Fortunately for Strong Group, McCullough’s fellow American reinforcement Tajuan Agee stepped up and carried the Philippine side’s 83-79 squeaker with 21 points and nine rebounds.

“T stepped up big tonight! That’s ‘next man up mentally,’ he picked up my slack and got the job done!” McCullough said.

READ: Strong Group taps ex-PBA import Chris McCullough

Still, one bad game didn’t change the fact that McCullough was Strong Group’s biggest star. He led the Strong Group’s 8-0 sweep, averaging 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks and was hailed as the tournament MVP.

His ejection and his poor showing drew flak online with some netizens accusing the former San Miguel import of selling the game for SGA.

McCullough took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to the bashful comments, saying having a bad game is usual for any basketball player.