Strong Group crushes Bahrain to clinch back-to-back Jones Cup titles

Bernadette Soriano

The crown didn’t just stay — it thundered back with authority.

Photo Courtesy of Strong Group Athletics.

Strong Group Athletics-Philippines torched Bahrain, 92–68, in a title-clinching victory to become the first Filipino team to repeat as William Jones Cup champions in the tournament’s 44-year run, in Taipei City, July 19.

NBA veteran Andre Roberson dropped 25 points and 14 rebounds in just 22 minutes, leading an avalanche that turned a supposed showdown into a statement.

Bahrain momentarily trimmed the gap to five late in the third, 68–63, before the Filipinos detonated a final-period barrage to break the game, and the title wide open.

Behind Roberson, Strong Group drew strength from Tajuan Agee, who added 19 points and eight boards, and Javi Gomez de Liaño, who buried four triples en route to 12.

Rhenz Abando chipped in 11, while Ian Miller flirted with a double-double of nine points and eight assists to help complete the rout.

Now 7–0, the Charles Tiu-mentored team no longer needs a result against Chinese Taipei White on Sunday to seal the crown outright.

The 2024 title adds to the Philippines’ Jones Cup legacy, joining previous conquests by Northern Cement (1982), San Miguel (1985), the Centennial Team (1998), Gilas Pilipinas (2012), Mighty Sports (2016, 2019), and last year’s Strong Group.

“What’s really rare here is the opportunity,” said Tiu, praising bosses Frank and Jacob Lao for trusting him to rebuild a winning program from scratch.

The squad, also backed by Bet88 and UAAGI, steamrolled through the field with a blend of NBA-caliber talent and local grit, dominating both ends across seven games.

Bahrain, which entered the day with a 6–1 slate, saw its campaign stall under Strong Group’s pressure, finishing second at 6–2.

With the job done, the Filipinos will look to close the tournament with a statement sweep, facing hosts Taipei White for a perfect 8–0 finish.

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