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| Strong Group's Chris McCullough vehemently denied game-fixing allegations thrown at him following an off night against Chinese Taipei Blue. SGA/Jones Cup |
MANILA—Instead of getting some love from Filipino fans, Jones Cup MVP Chris McCullough was met with harsh criticisms after going cold in Strong Group Athletics' "championship game" against Chinese Taipei Blue on Sunday.
Just when McCullough's impressive game was needed the most, the six-foot-nine forward suddenly had a hard time, only making 12 points and five rebounds while committing four turnovers in 39 minutes and 15 seconds of action before fouling out with 2:05 left in overtime.
McCullough only hit 4-of-16 from the field and forced the issue to no avail in some plays as well.
Interestingly enough, his off night came a few days after it was reported that the former San Miguel import, who once expressed his intent to become Gilas Pilipinas' naturalized player, is now considering joining Chinese Taipei instead, leading to online accusations that he was throwing the game all along.
The 29-year-old power forward clapped back at his bashers via X just as the clock struck midnight on Monday, denying the game-fixing allegations.
"I always rep the flag wherever I played, so for some of you fans who’s saying all of this nonsense is ridiculous. Because I didn’t have the best game in a championship game now I fix games? Come on now. It happens and it is what it is," said McCullough, who played for P.League+ club Formosa Dreamers before joining Strong Group.
He then lauded teammate Tajuan Agee, who came alive in the most opportune time.
Agee, just fresh from getting discharged from the hospital due to gastrointestinal problems, played virtually the game of his life, taking charge for Strong Group with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one block, and two steals.
“T stepped up big tonight! 'That’s next man up mentally' He picked up my slack and got the job done!” McCullough further tweeted.
Despite the struggles, McCullough still made a shot that mattered for Strong Group as he scored on a hook shot with 2:43 left in overtime to give the team the lead for good en route to the Jones Cup title.
McCullough was named the best player of the tournament after averaging 21.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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