By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Strong Group Athletics-Philippines cruised to their second straight win in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship after an 89-67 rout of Syria’s Al Wehda at the Al-Nasr Sports Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday night, January 20.

Kevin Quiambao top-scored for the Philippine representatives with 24 points, including six three-pointers, while his De La Salle University Green Archers teammate Francis Escandor added 18 markers.

Andray Blatche bounced back from a scoreless game against the UAE with 12 points, while three-point gunner Jordan Heading also ended up with 12 points for Strong Group.

Dwight Howard, Strong Group-Philippines’ main import, struggled with his points all-game long as he ended up with five points to go with 10 rebounds and four blocks in the win.

Quiambao and Heading anchored Strong Group’s 15-8 start with their three-point hits before Blatche contributed back-to-back outside shots followed by an inside hit for a 23-14 lead.

Strong Group struggled with their points to start the second quarter as Al Wehda managed to cut the deficit to eight points before Howard scored on a putback and a three-pointer as they ended the first half with a 43-30 advantage.

The Philippine representatives continued their run in the third quarter with conversions from Quiambao, Heading and Blatche followed by back-to-back shots from Escandor for a 64-48 lead.

Escandor went on with his offense in the fourth period along with consecutive hits from Quiambao as Strong Group’s lead grew to as high as 27 points at 82-55 with four minutes left.

Myron Jordan finished with 19 points, five rebounds and five steals. Jomaru Hohadbrown added 18 markers, while Abdulwahab Alhamwi contributed 10 markers for the Syrian-based squad.

After their game against Lebanon’s Homenetmen yesterday (Philippine time), the Charles Tiu-mentored Strong Group-Philippines will return to action against Lebanon’s Beirut Club on early Wednesday morning, January 24 (Philippine time)./ASC, WDJ

STRONG GROUP 89 — Quiambao 24, Escandor 18, Blatche 12, Heading 12, Moore 8, Howard 5, Roberson 5, Baltazar 3, Ynot 2, Cagulangan 0, Sanchez 0, Liwag 0.

AL WEHDA 67 — Jordan 19, Hohadbrown 18, Alhamwi 10, Banks 8, Arbasha 5, Jlelati 4, Kassabali 2, Otabachi 2, Alhalabi 0, Aljabi 0, Ghaith 0, Al Osh 0.

Quarterscores: 23-14, 43-30, 64-48, 89-67.