STRONG Group Athletics-Pilipinas bounced back from a heavy opening day loss by beating Japan, 78-72, in the 2026 William Jones Cup on Saturday at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Strong Group overcame a slow start and outscored Japan, 23-12, in the fourth quarter to secure the victory after trailing by one point heading into the final period.
The two teams were tied at 21 after the opening quarter before Japan took a 38-36 lead at halftime. Japan remained ahead, 60-55, after three quarters, but Strong Group turned the game around in the final frame.
Isaiah Piñeiro led Strong Group with 21 points, while Matthew Wright added 15 markers, with 11 coming in the first two quarters, as they improved to a 1-1 win-loss slate.
Tajuan Steven Agee finished with 14 points, Ian Bennett Miller contributed 12 and Boban Marjanovic had nine markers.
Gakuto Arai paced Japan with 25 points, while Hiyuu Ozawa added 13. Keijiro Mitani scored six points, with Hayato Wakugawa and Reoto Yonesu contributing four and six, respectively.
The victory allowed Strong Group to recover from its 110-79 loss to Wonju DB Promy of South Korea in its previous game. (Adrian Co)
