Strong Group Athletics is not slowing down anytime soon despite winning its first four games in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai.

Head coach Charles Tiu told DAILY TRIBUNE that they need to be smart with their playmaking as they are entering the knockout stages.

Strong Group is competing against home bet Sharjah SC in the quarterfinal at press time.

“Not much, but in this tournament it’s about us. We have to play the right way, be smart,” Tiu said.

“We need to make good decisions and always keep up the effort and intensity for 40 minutes.”

Strong Group is coming off an 84-75 win over Amman United of Jordan, giving the squad a lot of confidence entering the quarterfinal.

Malachi Richardson erupted for 24 points while Chris McCullough had 19 points and eight rebounds.

Strong Group is aiming to redeem itself after falling short of the title last year.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes bowed out of the competition after a 59-95 loss against the Tunisia national team.

With a 0-4 record in Group B, the Valientes missed out on making it to the quarterfinal in their maiden stint in this premiere club competition.

Wassef Methnani led Tunisia with 17 points and five rebounds while Omar Abada had 15 points, four boards and five assists.

Sam Deguara dropped a double-double game of 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Valientes in a losing effort while Nic Cabanero had 14 points.

National Basketball Association veteran Adonis Thomas was limited to five points for the Valientes.