Strong Group enters Dubai semis after mauling Al-Wahda

Shabazz Muhammad continues to explode for Strong Group. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Strong Group booked its place in the semifinals of the Dubai International Basketball Championship after taking down Al-Wahda of Syria, 87-61, early Tuesday (Philippine Time) at the Al-Nasr Sports Club in Dubai.

Strong Group showed no rust despite taking the day off and quickly mauled Al-Wahda en route to the crucial victory.

Shabazz Muhammad fired 37 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, and two steals, while Sedrick Barefield and Jerom Lastimosa each added 10 markers for Strong Group, which moved to 3-0 in Group A.

Kendall Gray put up 11 points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block for Al-Wahda, which fell to 0-3.

All that is left now is which among Strong Group and Dynamo will enter the playoffs as the top seed.

Dynamo beat Al-Nasr, 101-87 on Monday night to also go 3-0 ahead of its faceoff against Strong Group on Wednesday night.

The Scores:

STRONG GROUP PHL 87 - Muhammad 37, Barefield 10, Lastimosa 10, Balkman 9, Quiambao 7, Gozum 4, Cagulangan 3, Andrade 3, Lopez 3, Lao 1, Baltazar 0.

AL WAHDA SYRIA 61 – Gray 11, Canbolat 8, Arbasha 8, Bowman Jr 7, James 6, Alhalabi 6, Idelbi 4, Al Osh 4, Otabachi 2, Al Idelbi 2, Almnaa 2, Hamad 1.

Quarters: 24-13, 44-29, 68-43, 87-61.

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