SGA clinches quarterfinals berth in Dubai tournament

Strong Group Athletics (SGA) secured a dominant 4-0 record in Group A of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship, advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating Amman United of Jordan, 84-75.

American import Malachi Richardson led SGA with 24 points, supported by Chris McCullough's 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals, and Rhenz Abando's 12 points.

SGA, eyeing to avenge its runner-up finish last year, takes on Sharjah SC of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a knockout set-to at 1 a.m. (Manila time) on Friday for a seat in the Final Four.

Head coach Charles Tiu hardly needed the services of former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, who played only five minutes for two points, three rebounds and a block in preparation for the knockout rounds.

SGA traded haymakers with Amman in the first half before breaking away in the third quarter, building a 70-53 gap capped by Abando's slam on their way to the win.