RHENZ Abando is big hit even overseas.
FLASHY Filipino forward Rhenz Abando is showing that he’s not just a showboating sensation.
On Thursday, the former University of Santo Tomas and Letran stalwart delivered the efforts expected of him, lifting Strong Group Athletics to its fourth straight win in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.
SGA thus swept the group stage following an 84-75 triumph over Amman United Club.
Despite already securing a quarterfinal berth, the Filipinos showed no signs of letting up. For the fourth straight game, it was a former NBA player leading the charge.
Malachi Richardson, who has been a standout throughout the tournament, delivered a stellar performance with 24 points, including six triples out of 11 attempts, to keep the Filipinos firmly in control.
Strong Group, who had already built a commanding 17-point lead early in the fourth quarter, saw Amman United rally late, trimming the deficit to just six points, 75-69, with 3:58 remaining.
But Richardson, alongside the steady play of Abando and the rest of the squad, helped seal the win and put any doubts to rest with timely baskets down the stretch.
The victory was a testament to Strong Group’s depth and resilience.
Even when the momentum shifted in Amman’s favor, the Filipinos managed to reassert control and maintain their perfect record, showing that their drive to win has not diminished, even with the quarterfinals already secured.