MANILA – Strong Group-Philippines clobbered Qatar, 81-54, Tuesday night to stay perfect in the 44th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

DJ Fenner and Javi Gomez de Liaño scored 18 points as the Strong Group collected its third win after prevailing over Chinese Taipei Blue (67-56) and Japan Developmental Team (79-67).

The Filipinos are now 11-0, dating back to their title sweep last year.

“Defense has been great for us. That’s what we’ve been preaching from day one. Defense wins championships. We held another team to below 60," head coach Charles Tiu said in the post-game interview.

Fenner, who scored 16 points in the first half, finished with seven rebounds, and one assist; while Gomez de Liaño scored 13 points in the second half.

Ian Miller chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds while Dave Ildefonso added eight points, five assists, and three rebounds. Andre Roberson had 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals.

Qatar took its third loss against one win. Kiefer Ravena, set to arrive in Taiwan by Wednesday morning, is expected to banner as Strong Group prepares to face Australia at 5 p.m.

“We're banged up right now. Tajuan [Agee] is hurting, Roberson’s knee is swollen, Ian [Miller]'s plantar is bothering him, and Rhenz [Abando]'s hamstring might keep him out for the Australia game. Even Dave [Ildefonso] and Geo [Chiu] are fighting off illness. Jason [Brickman] is very fatigued as well," Tiu said.

“Only issue right now is our health. But we will keep fighting ‘til the end.”

Bahrain is on top of the nine-nation field with a 4-0 win-loss card. (PNA)