The Strong Group Athletics-Philippines (SGA) capped off a dominant run in the 43rd William Jones Cup, defeating Chinese Taipei-A in a thrilling overtime battle, 83-79, to claim the tournament title. The victory on Sunday evening at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City solidified SGA’s place atop the competition after a near-flawless performance throughout the event.

SGA entered the championship game undefeated, having dismantled their opponents by an average margin of over 21 points. However, the championship clash proved to be a different story. Chinese Taipei, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, pushed SGA to the limit.

Down by seven points with just over a minute remaining in regulation, SGA displayed remarkable resilience. A late surge, capped by a clutch three-pointer from Kiefer Ravena, gave the Filipinos a narrow lead with seconds ticking down on the clock. The game eventually went into overtime, where a controversial goaltending call on a Chris McCullough attempt swung the momentum in SGA’s favor. They capitalized on the opportunity, securing the hard-fought victory.

This win marks a significant milestone for Philippine basketball. It’s the first time a Filipino team has emerged victorious at the Jones Cup since 2019. Coach Charles Tiu’s squad not only brought home the championship trophy but also cemented the Philippines’ position as the second-most successful team in the tournament’s history, trailing only the United States.

SGA’s triumph at the 43rd William Jones Cup serves as a testament to the talent and determination of Filipino basketball. The team’s impressive run and championship victory are sure to be celebrated by fans across the Philippines