Strong Group Athletics survived a late-game bid from Homenetmen of Lebanon to escape with a 104-95 win in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai early Monday (Manila time).
The Filipino side won all of its first three games in the tournament as it shares the top spot of Group B with Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya with identical 3-0 win-loss records.
With a 99-94 lead in the fourth quarter, McKenzie Moore converted a three-point play with 50 seconds left in the game to extend their advantage to eight points, 102-94.
DeWayne Jackson was only able to convert one of his three free throws in the 45-second mark, allowing Strong Group to run away with the win.
UAAP Season 86 MVP Kevin Quiambao then sealed the win with a dunk with 21 seconds remaining on the clock.
Dwight Howard was flawless for Strong Group as he scored 32 points behind a 12-of-13 shooting from the field and grabbed seven rebounds and five blocks.
Quiambao followed suit with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Former Meralco Bolts import Zach Lofton led all scorers with 37 points for Homenetmen while also grabbing eight rebounds and seven assists.
Strong Group clashes with Al Ahli Tripoli for the top spot on Saturday, 25 January, at 1:15 a.m.
