Strong Group Athletics suffered a major blow to its three-peat ambitions after absorbing a punishing 79-110 blowout loss against South Korea in the William Jones Cup on Friday, August 14, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
The shocking setback snapped SGA’s impressive 16-game winning streak in the international showcase—a dominant stretch that delivered back-to-back tournament championships for the Philippine representative since its debut in 2024.
Despite parading former NBA big man Boban Marjanovic alongside a heavily bolstered reinforcement group, the Charles Tiu-helped squad struggled to slow down the scorching South Korean squad. The Wonju DB Promy-backed Koreans, led by Filipino-American standout Ethan Alvano, established early control and powered to a commanding 43-22 cushion in the second period.
SGA attempted to mount several rallies, but South Korea kept its foot on the gas, extending the margin in the fourth frame to seal the lopsided victory.
Rayshaun Hammonds spearheaded the Korean attack with 25 points, while Alvano added 21 markers.
Tajuan Agee served as the bright spot for SGA, finishing with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds alongside three assists and a steal. Puerto Rican foreign student Isaiah Piñeiro added 13 points, while Malick Diouf chipped in 10.
Marjanovic, making his debut for the Philippine club, was held to just six points and one rebound. Local contributors William Navarro, Derek Fenner, and Titing Manalili combined for 22 points in the loss.
SGA will aim to immediately get back on track when it battles Japan on Saturday, August 15, while Group A leader South Korea moves on to face host Chinese Taipei-Blue.