Strong Group storms back

Strong Group-Pilipinas bounced back from its opening-day setback by beating Japan, 78-72, in the 45th Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium on Saturday in New Taipei City.

Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro led Strong Group with 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Philippine club recovered from their 79-110 loss to Korean Basketball League (KBL) side Wonju DB Promy on Friday.

Strong Group held a 72-69 lead with 49.4 seconds remaining before Gakuto Arai converted on a fastbreak layup to cut the deficit to one.

Ian Miller then sank the final four free throws for Strong Group to secure the victory and improve to 1-1 in Group A.

Strong Group used its size to its advantage, hauling down 50 rebounds and converting 15 of 19 free-throw attempts.

Matthew Wright added 15 points, while Tajuan Agee finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.

Arai exploded for 25 points for Japan, but his effort went unrewarded as the Japanese dropped to 0-2 in the tournament.

Strong Group will next face Chinese Taipei Blue on Sunday at 7 p.m. (Manila time) at the same venue.

It will be a rematch between the two sides, with Chinese Taipei having settled for silver twice during Strong Group’s reign in the Jones Cup.