John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Article (news)

Paige Javier

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1752833204913519696396_122233262822156789_4623638937071013748_n.jpg" style="width:959px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo from Strong Group Athletics/Jones Cup</div>MANILA – Strong Group-Philippines fended off a late surge from Malaysia to keep its perfect record in the 44th William Jones Cup.A strong interior presence and crucial buckets helped SGA secure its sixth win at the expense of Malaysia, 106-98, on Friday at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.  Andre Roberson and Ange Kouame joined forces for the 9-0 run to put SGA ahead early in the game. As Malaysia struggled to get its offense going, SGA waxed hot from beyond the arc to extend the lead to 14 points at the end of the opening frame, 34-20.  Steven Green was the main offensive weapon for Malaysia, dropping 24 points in the first half, supported by Chun Hong Ting who added 17 points.  As turnovers piled up for SGA in the second quarter, Malaysia&#x27;s Green and Ting managed to trim the deficit to a single digit at the half, 56-47.SGA bounced back in the third quarter with a 31-17 surge sparked by the trio of Kiefer Ravena, Geo Chiu and DJ Fenner, putting the team up 87-64 entering the final frame.  Green refused to give up and tried to carry Malaysia in the fourth quarter, sparking a 20-10 rally for his team to cut the lead to 13 with just five minutes left in the game.  Butr eigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag and Ravena shut the door on Malaysia with a bucket and layup in transition.  Liwag delivered the final blow to Malaysia, draining a triple with 22 seconds left on the clock to seal the win for SGA.&quot;It was not the best game for us defensively, but we got the job done. 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,&quot; SGA head coach Charles Tiu said after the victory.Tiu, who is also the head coach of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers, praised his ward for his performance.&quot;Allen really stepped up for us when we needed a lift. That’s what we need from our local guys — big moments, big poise,&quot; he said.Six players scored in double figures led by DJ Fenner with 20 points off 7 of 10 shooting, along with eight rebounds and four assists.Ravena, who started for the first time in the tournament, added 17 points.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/7/17/jones-cup-sga-dismantles-chinese-taipei-b-for-5th-straight-win-2328">READ: Jones Cup: SGA dismantles Chinese Taipei B for 5th straight win </a></div>SGA&#x27;s big men Kouame and Chiu flexed their muscles and dominated the boards in the win. Chiu finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, while Kouame chipped in 11 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.Liwag contributed 16 markers, four boards, two assists and two blocks.Dave Ildefonso added 13 points, with most of the locals contributing while Roberson and Tajuan Agee took a breather.Malaysia&#x27;s Green finished with a massive 50 points and eight rebounds, while Ting pitched in 24 markers, seven rebounds and six assists.Malaysia slipped to a 2-4 record tied with Japan, while Strong Group moves to a 6-0 slate.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/7/15/jones-cup-fenner-javi-gdl-power-sga-to-third-straight-win-2035">READ: Jones Cup: Fenner, Javi GDL power SGA to third straight win </a></div>Strong Group awaits the result of the match between fellow undefeated squad Bahrain and Chinese Taipei A, last year&#x27;s Jones Cup runner-up.“They’ve got two imports and a EuroLeague-level coach, so Bahrain’s been well-coached and solid all tournament — that’s why they’re undefeated too,&quot; Tiu said referring to Bahrain&#x27;s Greek head coach Georgios Vovoras.&quot;Regardless of the result of their game against Chinese Taipei tonight, it’s a must-win for us. We can’t leave anything to chance,&quot; he said.Strong Group hopes to ride on the momentum as they face Bahrain on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Strong Group-Philippines fends off a late surge from Malaysia to keep its perfect record in the 44th William Jones Cup.

Strong Group-Philippines fends off a late surge from Malaysia to keep its perfect record in the 44th William Jones Cup.

Jones Cup: SGA holds off Malaysia to stay undefeated

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Jones Cup: SGA holds off Malaysia to stay undefeated

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 18, 2025 06:13 PM PHT

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Updated Jul 18, 2025 06:38 PM PHT

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