By MARK REY MONTEJO
Malachi Richardson and Chris McCullough formed a deadly 1-2 punch and propelled Strong Group Athletics over Amman United Club, 84-75, to sweep their pool assignments in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship early Thursday, Jan. 30 (Manila time).
With Demarcus Cousins struggling, the two other imports took charge as McCullough ignited SGA’s fourth quarter onslaught which Rhenz Abando capped with a jam for a 70-53 advantage.
Richardson then put on the finishing touches with timely baskets to book their quarterfinal ticket in Dubai cagefest.
Richardson finished with 24 points while former San Miguel import McCullough and Abando contributed 19 and 12, respectively, as SGA completed a four-game sweep of the elims.
Heading into the playoffs with an unblemished record, SGA collides with hometown bet Sharjah SC (1-3) of Pool B in quarters later Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes remained winless after absorbing an embarrassing 95-59 loss to the Tunisian national team.
Sam Deguara and UST’s Nic Cabanero starred for Zamboanga with 16 and 14 points.
