The Philippines’ Strong Group team were unable to find a solution to Al Riyadi’s Amir Saoud on Friday and were knocked out of the 32nd Dubai International Championships after losing their quarterfinal match 107-97 at Al Nasr Club Hall in the Philippines. United Arab Emirates.
Saoud, who will perform for the Lebanese team that Gilas Pilipinas will play against the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asian World Cup Qualifying Window later this month, took 17 points away in the fourth half of Al Riyadi, ending Willow brave Filipinos.
This is the earliest exit for the PH team here as the Filipinos give up the crown they won after overtaking Mighty Sports the last time the tournament was held in 2020.
“The loss is painful and disappointing for us. Can’t stop Saoud today no matter what we did,” said coach Charles Tiu. “[He was] just too experienced for our team right now. [The] offense is not the problem, but [we just] there can be no end.”
The young coach promised to return fully prepared and much stronger next year, and thanked the Filipino fans who bought expensive tickets to watch their match.
“Thank you to the Filipino fans for supporting us. We apologize for the loss. We will definitely come back stronger,” added Tiu.
Saoud continued to finish with 41 points, with the help of Dominic Johnson, he scored 23 points and 7 rebounds.
Al Riyadi is the team Mighty Sports take down in 2020.
Shabazz Muhammad led the Philippines representative with 27 points and 7 rebounds while Renaldo Balkman had 16 points and 15 rebounds.
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