Strong Group Athletics (SGA) is optimistic that they will be able to withstand the challenge of Chinese Taipei-A when they clash in the 44th William Jones Cup on Monday at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

With veteran point guard Kiefer Ravena missing the first two to three games due to personal commitments, SGA head coach Charles Tiu will be leaning on Jason Brickman and Ian Miller to do the playmaking chores.

The Frank Lao-owned club will be facing the Taiwanese in a rematch of last year’s title duel, where the Filipinos pulled off a thrilling 83-79 overtime win.

“Kiefer has some commitments and will miss the first two to three games. Unfortunately, we will have to face Chinese Taipei right away. We could have used him for that match,” Tiu said.

“This is the first time I’m getting a point guard as an import for SGA but we factored in the fact Kiefer will miss a few games so he and Jason will be our main ball handlers.”