STRONG Group-Philippines started their title-defense with a come-from-behind 67-56 win over Chinese Taipei Blue in the William Jones Cup on Sunday night, July 13, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

Former NBA player Andre Roberson and Rhenz Abando joined forces in a pivotal third-quarter run as Strong Group rallied after taking off to a horrendous start.

Strong Group made just one field goal in the opening quarter and fell behind 7-19. The defending champions turned things around in the third period, using a 26-2 run to turn a 28-35 deficit into a 54-37 lead with only one quarter left to play.

Roberson, the former Oklahoma City Thunder forward, keyed the back-breaking run and ended up with 17 points, 19 rebounds, and five steals

Abando had a solid all-around game, tallying 11 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Ian Miller put in 16 points for Strong Group, which played without Kiefer Ravena.

Chen Yingjun led Chinese Taipei with 14 points and five rebounds.

Strong Group will shoot for a second straight win when it battles Japan Developmental Team at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 14.(CCM)

• Tags
• #Strong Group-Philippines
• #Chinese Taipei Blue
• #William Jones Cup
• #Xinzhuang Gymnasium
• #New Taipei City
• #Andre Roberson
• #Rhenz Abando