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How clutch SGA reclaimed William Jones Cup title for Philippines

Photos courtesy of: SGA Athletics

After 5 long years, the William Jones Cup trophy has returned to the Philippines.

Despite facing a hostile home crowd, questionable calls, and pressure, Strong Group Athletics pulled out every trick in the bag to evade Chinese Taipei-A and secure the championship.

SGA swept the week-long competition this time around winning an average of 21.6 points per game prior to their finals encounter.

This marks the seventh time the Philippines has won the tournament with the previous one being in 2019 when it was still Mighty Sports fielding in players. 

It was a game to remember as the match had the makings of a cardiac finish that you expect when you watch sports movies. 

Down 71-64 with 50.7 seconds left, it looked like it was going to be a bridesmaid finish for the stalwarts from the Philippines but then the miraculous run started when Tajuan Agee made both of his free throws to cut the lead to just five. 

The next succeeding play highlighted the backcourt defense of Strong Group as they pressured Ma Chien Hao into rushing his pass which Kiefer Ravena tracked and gave to a cutting Jordan Heading to make it a three-point ball game.

19.5 seconds in the same quarter, Robert Hinton was unable to safely get the ball to one of his teammates from the inbound which ultimately led to a wide-open corner three from by Ravena. 

Although, naturalized big man in Brandon Gilbeck was able to send the game into overtime via a putback after a missed lay-up from Chen Ying Chung much to the delight of the home crowd who proved to be a capable 6th man all throughout. 

Fast forward to 78-all in extra period, Strong Group had to play without its arguably best import in Chris McCullough the rest of the game after Robert Hinton was able to draw a charge on the 6’8 versatile big. 

No team wanted to blink till the last remaining seconds as Strong Group lost another key player in Tajuan Agee after he was called for a disqualifying foul against Liu Cheng. Fortunately for the Philippines, the guard only made one of his free throws during the trip. 

Jordan Heading, used to the rigors and expectations that comes with playing international basketball, gave SGA a three-point lead with 12 seconds remaining in overtime. 

The story of the game for the Taiwanese were their turnovers. 

Down three, they threw another errant pass that eventually led to DJ Fenner keeping the game out of reach and cementing the memorable comeback for the team that only had 2 weeks of practice before this all began. 

Agee paced Strong Group with 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals in another all-around performance. Fenner backstopped him with 15 points, nine rebounds and four steals.

RJ Abarrientos continues to prove he’s ready for the pros as he showed yet again his prowess from downtown, making three triples for 14 points overall. 

McCullough was named the MVP despite playing subpar to his usual standards in the week-long meet. He averaged 21.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 blocks during the whole duration.

Mission accomplished for the Frank and Jacob Lao-led group.