MANILA – Defending champion Strong Group-Philippines pulled off a 92-68 victory over Bahrain to stay perfect in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan Saturday night.

Sporting a 7-0 slate, Strong Group became the first Philippine team to secure back-to-back titles in the tournament's 44-year history.

The Philippines now has eight titles in the Jones Cup, following victories by Northern Cement (1982), San Miguel (1985), the Centennial Team (1998), Gilas Pilipinas (2012), Mighty Sports (2016, 2019), and Strong Group (2024).

"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," head coach Charles Tiu said after the game.

“What’s really rare here is the opportunity. Just want to give credit to our bosses – Boss Frank and Jacob Lao – for allowing us to run it back again, and for the trust to form and build this team. It’s rare to get to work for bosses like them."

Former NBA standout Andre Roberson led the Filipinos with 25 points and 14 rebounds, while 6-foot-9 Tajuan Agee had 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Filipino-Spanish Gomez De Liaño chipped in 12 points, all from beyond the arc, along with seven rebounds and two steals, followed by Rhenz Abando with 11 points and Ian Miller with nine points and eight assists.

Dave Ildefonso contributed eight points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Kiefer Ravena added six points and two steals.

Bahrain closed in at 68-63 midway through the third quarter, before Strong Group held a 7–1 run behind Ravena and Gomez de Liaño to take a 75-64 lead entering the fourth.

Roberson scored six points and Gomez De Liaño sank a triple in a 14-0 run, giving the Filipinos an 89-64 advantage.

Bahrain finished with a 6-2 record, its other loss coming from last year's finalist, Chinese Taipei A.

Strong Group has one more game left, against the United Arab Emirates.

"Hoping we can finish it off with a sweep, even with the championship in tow," Tiu said. (PNA)