Strong Group Athletics edged out Beirut First of Lebanon, 85-78, for a third straight win in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Tournament at the Al Nasr Club in the United Arab Emirats early Tuesday (Manila time).

Four-time National Basketball Association All-Star DeMarcus Cousins erupted with a double-double output of 26 points and 12 rebounds as Strong Group leads Group A with a 3-0 win-loss record.

Ateneo de Manila University alumni Ange Kouame and Dave Ildeonso also scored for Strong Group with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Sergio El Darwich led Beirut First with 26 points and two rebounds ina losing effort.

Strong Group faces Amman United of Jordan on Thursday at 1 a.m. (Manila time) at the same venue.