Strong Group-Pilipinas routs Korea, keeps three-peat bid alive

Strong Group-Pilipinas avenged an earlier loss to Korea’s Wonju DB Promy with a 113-87 victory Wednesday in the 2026 Jones Cup in New Taipei City, keeping its bid for a third consecutive championship alive.

The Philippine representative entered the rematch looking to reverse a 110-79 defeat to Promy earlier in the tournament.

Strong Group seized control early and built a 51-35 advantage by halftime.

Promy tried to close the gap in the second half, but Strong Group maintained its cushion and pulled away.

The Korean side mounted a late push by scoring 35 points in the fourth quarter.

Strong Group responded with 39 points in the final period to seal the 26-point victory.

Matthew Wright led Strong Group’s offense with 24 points.

Tajuan Agee delivered 22 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double.

Ian Miller added 19 points, while DJ Fenner contributed 16.

Boban Marjanovic finished with 10 points.

The victory improved the Philippines’ record to 4-1 heading into its final group-stage game against Chinese Taipei Blue on Thursday.

Strong Group-Pilipinas still needs Japan to defeat Promy to remain in contention for a third straight Jones Cup championship.

The Philippine squad must also beat Chinese Taipei Blue in its group-stage finale to keep its three-peat bid alive.