Strong Group Athletics overwhelmed home team Al Sharjah, 100-63, to reach the semifinal round of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship Friday in the United Arab Emirates.

One of two Philippine entries in the cagefest, Strong Group is just two wins away from winning the tournament.

Four-time National Basketball Association All-Star DeMarcus Cousins fired 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Chris McCullough backed him up 20 points and six boards for Strong Group while Mikey Williams and Dave Ildefonso had 11 points each.

Nicholas West led Al Sharjah Club with 19 points while Dequan Jones had 18 in a losing effort.

Apart from Strong Group, the Tunisia national team also booked a spot in the semifinal after a 93-83 win over Amman United of Jordan.

Head coach Charles Tiu insists the job is far from being done as he reminds his players not to lower their guards.

“We have to play the right way, be smart. We need to make good decisions and always keep up the effort and intensity for 40 minutes.”

Strong Group looks to redeem its 74-77 loss to Al Riyadi in the final last year by winning it all in 2025.