Strong Group routes Al Wahda-Syria for 2nd win

MANILA, Philippines -- Strong Group Athletics (SGA) heated up from deep and torched Al Wahda-Syria, 89-67, Saturday night (Manila time) to roll to their second straight win in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.

UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao and La Salle teammate Francis Escandor combined for 11-of-12 from rainbow country in the lopsided win.

SGA was simply dominating as early as the first quarter, taking an early nine-point lead, 23-14.

They then turned it up a notch in the second canto, turning a 23-18 lead to a 16-point cushion, 34-18, with a 3-pointer by Escandor at the 6:20 mark.

It was enough separation for the Philippine side, as the lead grew to as much as 27 points, 82-55, with 4:43 remaining following a Quiambao jumper.

SGA did not surrender a quarter to the Syrian squad, as they won all four frames.

Import Dwight Howard did not have to score in double-figures in the game, as Quiambao led all scorers with 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block.

The La Salle star made all six of his 3-pointers and made nine-of-14 from the field.

Escandor followed suit with 18 markers, making five of his six 3-point attempts.

Jordan Heading and Andray Blatche both had 12 points.

Howard finished with only five points, but he was a force inside with 10 rebounds and four blocks.

The Philippine side made 17 of their 27 attempts from beyond the arc.

Myron Jordan had 19 points and five rebounds for Al Wahda while Jomaru Hohadbrown added 17.

SGA will next take on Lebanon's Homenetmen on Sunday. Tipoff is at 11:15 p.m. (Manila time).