Strong Group opens bid on high note

MANILA, Philippines — Strong Group hung tough to beat the United Arab Emirates national team, 91-87, for a good start in the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al Nasr Club Hall yesterday.

The Philippine club controlled the majority of the match highlighted by what seemed a comfortable 16-point lead in crunch time for a hard-earned debut win in Group A.

Former PBA import Shabazz Muhammad led the way with 24 points, seven boards and four dimes with Filipino-American prospect Sedrick Barefield adding 23 markers, including the game-sealing charities.

Ex-NBA champion Nick Young chipped in 13 while Renaldo Balkman collared a 12-11 double-double for Strong Group, which survived a subpar outing from its local stalwarts.