The Strong Group Athletics claimed the 2024 William Jones Cup title with a thrilling 83-79 overtime victory against Chinese Taipei A in their virtual championship game on Sunday.
A Hard-Fought Victory
The Philippine representatives completed an undefeated run, going 8-0 to clinch the championship. This victory comes after their narrow loss to Al Riyadi in the finals of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship last January.
SGA led for most of the game, but Chinese Taipei mounted a comeback and took a crucial 71-64 lead with 1:08 left in the fourth quarter. However, SGA refused to surrender. Tajuan Agee led an 8-0 run, culminating in a massive corner three-pointer by Kiefer Ravena over the 7-foot Brandon Gilbeck, giving SGA a 73-71 lead.
Overtime Drama
Gilbeck forced overtime with a putback play, tying the game at 73-all. In the extra period, RJ Abarrientos, who had kept SGA in the game with his fourth-quarter triples, hit another crucial three. Agee’s free throws pushed SGA to a 78-74 advantage, but Chinese Taipei quickly responded to tie the game at 78-all.
Chris McCullough then gave SGA an 80-78 lead before fouling out with 2:05 remaining. Jordan Heading’s two free throws extended the lead to 82-79 with 12.2 seconds left.
Key Performers
Tajuan Agee led SGA with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. DJ Fenner and RJ Abarrientos contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively. Kiefer Ravena added nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
Historical Win
SGA became the seventh Philippine team to win the annual tournament and the second in five years, following Mighty Sports’ victory in 2019. SGA head coach Charles Tiu also led the 2019 team to victory.