Strong Group boycotts bronze match

Strong Group Athletics refused to play its bronze medal match following a controversial semifinal loss to Tunisia in the 34th Dubai Invitational Basketball Championship early Sunday (Manila time) at the Al Nasr Sport Club in Dubai.

In a strongly-worded statement, the club owned by businessman Frank Lao stressed that they are withdrawing from the consolation match as a sign of protest to the multiple non-calls throughout the game, including the final play that cemented their heart-crushing 63-68 setback.

The Filipino side said there should have been a foul when Rhenz Abando launched a potential game-tying three-pointer against the defense of Tunisian big man Mokhtar Ghyaza in the final 4.4 seconds of the game.

But game officials Rabah Njeim of Lebanon, Taha Al Hashidi of Yemen and Hassan Haji of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) refused to blow their whistles that sparked an outrage among Strong Group players, especially four-time National Basketball Association All-Star DeMarcus Cousins.

“With just 4.4 seconds left on the clock, our standout Rhenz Abando launched a potential game-tying three-pointer but was clearly bodied from behind by Tunisian big man Mokhtar Ghyaza,” Strong Group’s official statement read.

“Despite the obvious contact, the referees failed to call a foul, effectively sealing Tunisia’s victory and ending our championship hopes. As competitors, we respect the game and its governing principles.”

After trailing by as many as 16 points, the club coached by young tactician Charles Tiu stormed back with Cousins, Chris McCullough and Mikey Williams at the helm.

Williams knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to within two, 65-63, with only 62 seconds left. The Filipino squad had a chance to knot the count following a Tunisian turnover but McCullough failed to buy a basket, allowing Omar Abada to split his free throws that gave the Tunisians a three-point lead, 66-63.

Then, Abando got smothered by the defense of the bigger, bulkier Ghyaza in the three-point line on top of the key, spoiling the FIlipinos’ chance to extend the game to overtime.

Cousins dropped 18 points and 15 rebounds while McCullough chipped in 18 markers for Strong Group, which also suffered a late-game meltdown in its finals showdown against Lebanese powerhouse Al-Riyadi Beirut last year.

Strong Group said it will no longer play the bronze medal match against the home team — the UAE national team — to make a stand for officiating accountability and fairness in international basketball. On the other hand, Tunisia will face Beirut First Club in the title match.