Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 2) — Mighty Sports Philippines swept the Dubai International Basketball Championship to claim this year’s title.
The Charles Tiu-mentored squad defeated defending champions Al Riyadi, 92-81, Sunday at the Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai.
Renaldo Balkman and Andray Blatche teamed up to led Mighty Sports to victory. Balkman had a team-high 25 points and nine rebounds, while Blatche posted a double-double of 21 markers and 10 boards.
“We thank God for the win and really it was the players who delivered for us. Thank you for all the support from all our fans who stayed up late to watch us or come live to watch us,” Tiu said.
Holding a slim four-point edge at the break, Mighty Sports went to work in the third quarter and uncorked a 15-3 blast to draw distance from their opponents.
The lead ballooned to as high as 21 in the final frame. Al Riyadi import Dwayne Jackson led a furious rally in the middle of the payoff period but Mighty Sports was able to withstand the run.
Michael Efevberha led Al Riyadi with a game-high 26 points while Jackson finished with 20 markers.
THE SCORES
MIGHTY SPORTS 92 — Balkman 25, Blatche 21, Williams 13, Moore 11, Kendrick 10, Ravena 6, Malonzo 4, Go 2, Ju. Gomez de Liano 0, Belga 0.
AL RIYADI 81 — Efevberha 26, Jackson 20, Haidar 14, Arakji 10, Bawji 6, Saoud 3, Mneimneh 2, Townes 0, Akl 0, Gyokchyan 0.
Quarters: 24-20, 46-42, 74-57, 92-81.
“We’re very happy to have won this tournament. It’s a very tough tournament and to be part of history as the first team from our side of the world to win it is pretty awesome,” Tiu said.
