Strong Group, Tunisia cross paths

Strong Group Athletics is using one full day of rest to recharge as the Philippine squad revs up for the homestretch of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

Following a lopsided 100-63 win over Al Sharjah on Friday in the quarterfinal round, Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu feels rest will be crucial in their bid to rule the tournament.

At press time, Strong Group was battling the Tunisian national team with the winner engaged to face the survivor of the other semifinal pairing featuring Beirut First of Lebanon or the UAE national squad, teams Strong Group have beaten.

Strong Group nipped UAE, 99-91, last week and dumped the Lebanese entry, 95-88, last Tuesday.

“It’s a good break as we have to win back-to-back games in back to back days to get the championship. We are playing really tough teams,” Tiu said.

Against Al Sharjah, DeMarcus Cousins, the four-time National Basketball Association All-Star, fired 21 point and hauled down 20 boards while Chris McCullough made 20 points, had six boards and two blocks.

Locals Mikey Williams and Dave Ildefonso also backed them up with 11 points apiece.

Strong Group looks to redeem itself after losing the final, 74-77, to Al Riyadi last year.