Dwight Howard Leads Strong Group Athletics to Championship Match in Dubai International Tournament
NBA veteran Dwight Howard showed that age is just a number as he led Strong Group Athletics to a decisive 94-72 victory over Beirut Sports Club in the semifinals of the 2024 Dubai International Tournament. The game took place on Sunday morning, Jan. 28, at the Al Nasr Club.
Howard, 38, displayed his old form and dominated the court, helping the Filipino squad alongside UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao in the third quarter. Together, they engineered an 18-6 spurt, giving Strong Group Athletics a 75-49 lead and leaving the Lebanese cagers in the dust.
The former Orlando Magic superstar achieved a double-double with 26 points, 20 rebounds, three steals, and a block, while Quiambao contributed 18 points. Justine Baltazar and Jordan Heading also made significant contributions with 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Beirut Sports Club made a late attempt to rally during the final quarter, with Alexander Saleh and Naim Rabay leading the team. However, the gap was too wide to overcome, and the Filipino squad held on to their lead.
In addition to Howard’s standout performance, Dar Tucker scored 22 points for Beirut, setting up a battle for third place with Al Alhi Sports Club. Strong Group Athletics will face Al Riyadi Club Beirut, which also has a flawless record, in the finals on Sunday evening.
The Filipino crowd roared in celebration as Strong Group Athletics secured their spot in the championship match. With Dwight Howard’s leadership and stellar performance, the team is poised to make a strong contention for the tournament title.
