MANILA – Strong Group-Philippines defeated United Arab Emirates, 87-62, wrapping up their William Jones Cup campaign with an 8-0 record at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Tanjuan Agee finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Kiefer Ravena added 13 points, including three three-pointers, along with nine assists.

DJ Fenner and Ian Miller scored 12 points each, with Dave Ildefonso contributing 10.

The win marked a historic achievement, making Strong Group the first Philippine team to win back-to-back titles in the tournament’s 44-year history.

The Philippines now holds eight Jones Cup titles, joining previous champions such as Northern Cement (1982), San Miguel (1985), the Centennial Team (1998), Gilas Pilipinas (2012), Mighty Sports (2016, 2019), and Strong Group (2024).

Coach Charles Tiu praised the team’s chemistry and dedication.

“We are happy to win a championship again. We never take anything for granted. Our management fully supports us every time we represent the country,” he said.

The Filipinos extended their unbeaten streak to 16 games across the 2024 and 2025 editions. This year, they defeated Chinese-Taipei Blue (67-56), Japan Developmental (79-67), Qatar (81-54), Australia’s NBL1 Rising Stars (91-75), Chinese-Taipei White (107-75), Malaysia (106-98), and Bahrain (92-68).

Other members of the champion squad include Jason Brickman, Geo Chiu, Javi Gomez de Liaño, Rhenz Abando, Angelo Kouame, and former NBA player Anthony Roberson.

“It’s special, especially because I don’t know if we’ll have this group again. DJ and Brickman might join the draft, Javi and Rhenz could move to different teams, and we don’t know where our other players will be next year,” Tiu shared.

He also hinted at organizing an international invitational tournament in Manila to build on their momentum.

William Jones Cup

The **William Jones Cup** is an international basketball tournament held annually in Taiwan since 1977, named in honor of Renato William Jones, a key figure in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Originally created to promote basketball in Asia, it has grown to include teams from around the world, often serving as a preparatory event for major competitions like the FIBA Asia Cup. The tournament is notable for featuring both national teams and club squads, showcasing emerging talent and fostering international sports diplomacy.

Xinzhuang Gymnasium

Xinzhuang Gymnasium is a modern sports facility located in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Opened in 2007, it was designed to host a variety of sporting events, including basketball, badminton, and table tennis, as well as cultural activities. The gymnasium gained prominence as a venue for the 2017 Taipei Universiade, showcasing its role in promoting sports and community engagement in the region.

New Taipei City

New Taipei City, located in northern Taiwan, is a vibrant metropolitan area that surrounds Taipei. Originally established in 2010, it was upgraded from Taipei County and is now Taiwan’s most populous city, known for its rich cultural heritage, night markets, and scenic spots like Jiufen and the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. The region has a long history, with settlements dating back to indigenous communities and later becoming a key area during Taiwan’s Qing dynasty and Japanese colonial periods.

Northern Cement

Northern Cement refers to a major cement manufacturing company in the Philippines, established in 1967. It is part of the San Miguel Corporation and plays a key role in the country’s construction industry, producing high-quality cement for infrastructure and development projects. The company has contributed to the growth of the Philippine economy while maintaining a focus on sustainability and innovation in cement production.

San Miguel

San Miguel de Allende is a historic city in central Mexico, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and UNESCO World Heritage status. Founded in 1542 as a Spanish military outpost, it later became a key site during the Mexican War of Independence. Today, it is a popular destination for its cultural festivals, cobblestone streets, and iconic pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.

Centennial Team

There is no widely recognized cultural or historical site known as the “Centennial Team.” If you are referring to a specific sports team, organization, or local group by that name, please provide additional details so I can offer a more accurate summary. Alternatively, if you meant a different term, kindly clarify for the best response.

Gilas Pilipinas

Gilas Pilipinas is the name of the Philippine men’s national basketball team, representing the country in international competitions. The team, managed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), has a rich history in Asian basketball and has competed in events like the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics. The name “Gilas” (meaning “ferocity” or “gallantry” in Filipino) reflects the team’s fighting spirit and its role in uniting Filipino basketball fans.

Mighty Sports

“Mighty Sports” appears to refer to a Philippine-based sports organization, Mighty Sports Philippines, known for its competitive basketball teams that participate in international tournaments. Founded by businessman Alex Wongchuking, the team has gained recognition in events like the *Dubai International Basketball Championship*, where it has competed against clubs from across Asia and the Middle East. While not a historical or cultural site, Mighty Sports represents the passion for basketball in Filipino sports culture and has contributed to the country’s presence in global amateur basketball competitions.

Let me know if you meant a different “Mighty Sports” (e.g., a venue or event), and I’d be happy to refine this!