Andray Blatche rediscovered his offensive prowess as the Strong Group Athletics-Philippines secured an 89-67 victory over Syria’s Al Wehda in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on Saturday night at the Al-Nasr Sports Club in Dubai, UAE.
The former Gilas Pilipinas center tallied 12 points, with eight in the first quarter, along with three rebounds, three steals, and two assists, bouncing back from a scoreless game in Strong Group’s previous 82-66 victory over the United Arab Emirates national team.
Kevin Quiambao led the Philippine representatives in scoring with 24 points, including six three-pointers, while his De La Salle University Green Archers teammate Francis Escandor contributed 18 markers.
Jordan Heading contributed 12 points, featuring two outside shots, while former NBA player Dwight Howard recorded five points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks for Strong Group.
Quiambao and Heading led Strong Group with three-pointers, guiding the team to a 15-8 start. Blatche then contributed back-to-back outside shots, followed by an inside hit, extending the lead to 23-14.
Strong Group faced difficulties scoring at the beginning of the second quarter, allowing Al Wehda to reduce the deficit to eight points. However, Howard’s putback and a three-pointer helped them finish the first half with a 43-30 advantage.
The Philippine representatives extended their momentum in the third quarter with successful plays from Quiambao, Heading, and Blatche, complemented by back-to-back shots from Escandor, resulting in a 64-48 lead.
Escandor continued his offensive contributions in the fourth period, supported by consecutive hits from Quiambao, allowing Strong Group’s lead to widen to as much as 27 points at 82-55 with four minutes left.
Myron Jordan concluded with 19 points, five rebounds, and five steals, while Jomaru Hohadbrown added 18 markers, and Abdulwahab Alhamwi contributed 10 markers for the Syrian-based squad.
Under the guidance of coach Charles Tiu, Strong Group-Philippines aims for their third consecutive win as they face Lebanon’s Homenetmen Sunday at 11:15 p.m. Manila time.
The post Andray Blatche guides Strong Group-PH to 2-0 start in Dubai tourney first appeared on Fastbreak.
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