Strong Group Philippines completed a sweep of the group stage in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
The Filipinos snagged their fifth straight win in the tournament after surviving Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya, 91-89, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, January 24.
Jordan Heading scored 19 points while both Kevin Quiambao, and NBA champion Dwight Howard chipped in 17 points for Strong Group to remain undefeated in the tournament.
The Philippine squad emerged victorious even after trailing behind, 27-15, in the first quarter.
Strong Group never let go of the lead after Quiambao made a pair of free throws to put the Libyan squad down by two, 83-81.
Back-to-back baskets by Nicholas West kept Al Ahli Tripoli at striking distance, 89-88, but charities by Heading provided Strong Group with the two-point cushion that the squad neede to win the game.
Naseim Badrush finished with 27 points and Mohamed Sadi added 22 points for Al Ahli Tripoli.
