SGA moves closer to Jones Cup title

Strong Group Athletics flexed its muscles anew as it booked a 106-98 win over Malaysia in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City on Friday.

Filipino-American guard DJ Fenner was impressive, firing 20 points behind a 7-of-10 shooting clip to go with eight rebounds and four assists for the Filipino club that survived the 50-point explosion of Malaysia’s American reinforcement Steven Green for its sixth straight win.

Kiefer Ravena was also on fire as he dropped 17 points in his second game for SGA, which is not pumped up to face Bahrain in an all-important clash that will determine the champion.

Should SGA prevail and clinch the title, it will make history as it will become the first Filipino club to emerge as back-to-back champion in this prestigious invitational event.

SGA coach Charles Tiu knows the importance of their clash with the Bahrainis so he rested Tajuan Agee and former Oklahoma City Thunder cager Andre Roberson against the Malaysians.

“It was not the best game for us defensively, but we got the job done,” Tiu said.

“We were also able to rest Dre (Roberson) and Tajuan (Agee), which is crucial. Now all focus for us is our game tomorrow against Bahrain — our championship game.”

Tiu said they need to be locked in as the Bahrainis will be bannered by former National Basketball Association player Jakarr Sampson and former Philippine Basketball Association import Wayne Chism with Euro League mentor Georgios Vovoras of Greece calling the shots.

“They’ve got two imports and a Euro League-level coach, so Bahrain’s been well-coached and solid all tournament — that’s why they’re undefeated, too,” Tiu said.

“Regardless of the result of their game against Chinese Taipei tonight, it’s a must-win for us.”

Against Malaysia, SGA displayed its championship form.

Despite Green spearheading a blistering 20-1- run that cut the lead to 13, 84-97. The Filipinos refused to panic as Allen Liwag knocked down big baskets down the stretch to stretch the lead to 101-86.