Strong Group-Philippines player Dave Ildefonso in action during the game against host Chinese Taipei in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium on Thursday (July 18, 2025). The Philippines won, 107-75. (Contributed photo)
Strong Group-Philippines delivered a commanding performance Thursday night, overpowering Chinese Taipei-White with a dominant 107-75 win to stay undefeated in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
Tajuan Agee led the charge with 25 points, sparking a decisive 22-9 second-quarter run that ballooned the lead to 61-33 by halftime. The 27-year-old forward also filled the stat sheet with six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
“Guys were locked in from the start. Tajuan was phenomenal and set the tone early,” said head coach Charles Tiu. “This was the best offensive basketball we’ve played so far.”
After struggling from deep in their first four games (just 22.6 percent), Strong Group finally found its groove from beyond the arc, knocking down 14 of 31 triples for an efficient 45.2 percent shooting.
BCAL-East MVP Ian Miller added 13 points and three rebounds, while Javi Gomez De Liaño recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards. Kiefer Ravena chipped in 11 points and six assists, with Rhenz Abando and Dave Ildefonso adding 10 points apiece. Geo Chiu contributed eight points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting and grabbed five rebounds.
Strong Group is set to face Malaysia next before a pivotal clash against fellow unbeaten contender Bahrain (6-0).
“We’re peaking at the right time,” said Tiu. “This was a satisfying win, and hopefully, we can keep building momentum heading into the final stretch.”