Renaldo Balkman posted impressive numbers for Mighty Sports in just three quarters. SBP/Cignal |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA—Mighty Sports clinched the championship in the Jones Cup after pipping Chinese Taipei Blue, 97-74, in the penultimate night of the tournament at the Changhua County Gymnasium on Saturday.
Despite Chinese Taipei Blue putting on a gallant stand in the second quarter, Mighty Sports made quick work of the host squad as the Philippine side is assured of the championship with one game to spare: a showdown with Chinese Taipei White in the final day of the event on Sunday.
Renaldo Balkman made 21 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal before leaving the game late in the third quarter due to an apparent nose injury for Mighty Sports, which is now 7-0 in the Jones Cup.
Eugene Phelps added 17 points, nine rebounds, and one assist.
Chen Ying-Chun put up 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists for Chinese Taipei Blue, which still has a chance to salvage second place if it beats South Korea also on Sunday night.
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