STRONG Group Athletics-Pilipinas delivered a resounding statement on Thursday, overwhelming Chinese Taipei Blue, 117-74, in the 2026 William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium at the New Taipei City, Taiwan.
With Chinese Taipei Blue already assured of a semifinal berth despite entering the final day with a losing record, Strong Group responded with a dominant performance that left little doubt about which team controlled their final Group A meeting.
Strong Group seized control from the opening quarter, taking a 25-17 lead before extending the advantage to 54-35 at halftime. The Philippine side then blew the game wide open in the third period, outscoring Chinese Taipei, 38-14, to take a commanding 92-49 lead heading into the final frame.
The 43-point victory came amid controversy surrounding the tournament format, which guaranteed Chinese Taipei Blue a place in the semifinals regardless of its standing in Group A.
Strong Group had been eliminated from semifinal contention despite finishing with a 5-1 record, with Wonju DB Promy claiming the lone qualifying spot from the group through the tournament’s tiebreaker system.
The Philippine side nevertheless finished the group stage in emphatic fashion, producing one of its most dominant performances of the tournament.
Isaiah Piñeiro led Strong Group with 22 points, while Remy Martin added 19 and Matthew Wright contributed 18.
Jonathan Manalili also made an impact with 13 points, while Boban Marjanovic had 12 and Derrick Steven Fenner Jr. finished with 10. Tajuan Agee added nine points.
Strong Group was particularly efficient from the field, shooting 57.4 percent on two-point attempts and 52.6 percent from three-point range. The team also converted 33 of 38 free throws.
Xie Ming-Jun led Chinese Taipei Blue with 18 points, while Chen Chiang-Shuang added 14 and Jonah Morrison finished with 12. (Adrian Co)
