Photo credit: Dubai Sports TV
Finals-bound Strong Group Athletics - Philippines (7-0) defeated the Sports Club Beirut 94-72 in the knockout semifinal match of the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Al Nasr Club - Basketball Court in Dubai, UAE. [VIDEO]
Dwight Howard had a huge double-double game of 26 points (11/17FG, 4/9ft), along with 20 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and a block. Kevin Quiambao had another solid performance of 18 points (3/6 3pts), 3 rebounds, a steal while Justine Baltazar added 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc with 5 rebounds, a steal.
Jordan Heading finished with 10 points (2/5 3pts), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. McKenzie Moore, with an impressive 11 assists, adds 7 points (3/13 FG) and 5 rebounds to his performance.
SGA advances to the finals and will play the defending champions Al Riyadi Club Beirut of Lebanon (7-0) on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 11:15pm Philippine time (UAE time: 7:15pm). [UPDATE: FINALS - AL RIYADI def. 
SGA, 77-74
The Scores:
STRONG GROUP 94 - Howard 26, Quiambao 18, Baltazar 15, Heading 10, Moore 7, Roberson 6, Sanchez 5, Escandor 3, Cagulangan 2, Liwag 2, Ynot 0, Blatche DNP.
SC BEIRUT 72 – Tucker 22, Saleh 19, El Darwich 8, Haidar 6, Rabay 6, Jarrouj 5, Mahmoud 3, Mezher 3, Mechref 0.
Quarters: 22-17, 50-34, 73-49, 94-72. [GAME STATS] | [GAME HIGHLIGHTS] | [JORDAN]
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🏀 STRONG GROUP PHL Games: (PHL time)
(Jan 19) SGA def. UAE, 82-66
(Jan 20) SGA def. Al Wahda, 89-67
(Jan 21) SGA def. Homenetmen, 104-95
(Jan 24) SGA def. Beirut, 95-73
(Jan 25) SGA def. Al Ahli Tripoli, 91-89
(Jan 27) QF - SGA def. AS Sale, 92-80
(Jan 28) SEMIS - SGA def. Beirut, 94-72
(Jan 28) FINALS - AL RIYADI def. SGA, 77-74