Former NBA forward Andre Roberson led the way as Strong Group Athletics-Philippines made history on Saturday in the 44th William Jones Cup.
Roberson knocked in 25 points and 14 rebounds in just 22 minutes of action, as SGA pulled off a convincing 92–68 victory over Bahrain at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taipei.
Their seventh straight win allowed the Philippine club team to claim the 2025 crown with one game to spare.
The Charles Tiu-coached SGA is ahead of second running China-Blue (5-1), and third placed Bahrain (6-2).
“Feels great to win again. We prepared hard for this tournament. Our players played hard throughout, from the locals to the imports. I tip my hat off to them. Great group of guys,” said Tiu.
SGA’s back-to-back conquest, after also claiming the 2024 honors, gave the Philippines its ninth crown in the tournament.
The other Filipino club squads who held it were Northern Cement (1982), San Miguel (1985), the Centennial Team (1998), Gilas Pilipinas (2012) and Mighty Sports (2016 and 2019).
With the Philippines ahead, 68-63, SGA erupted with a 7–1 run anchored by Kiefer Ravena’s driving layup and five quick points from Javi Gomez de Liano to take control at 75–64 entering the fourth.
In the fourth, Strong Group exploded with a 14–0 blast, capped by a six-point surge from Roberson and a triple from Gomez de Liano to widen their edge, 89–64.
Tajuan Agee chipped in 19 points, eight boards, two assists, and a steal while Gomez de Liano had 12 markers, all from beyond the arc.
