Mighty Sports-Go For Gold Philippines warmed up for what could be its championship clash with Korea by crushing University of British Columbia-Canada, 116-87, in the Jones Cup Monday in Changhua, Taiwan.
Exploiting its quickness and height advantage, Mighty Sports held its collegiate rival to just nine points while exploding for 39 points in the second quarter on the way to a fourth straight win, pushing the HealthCub-back club to a share of the lead with South Korea.
The massive win boosted its confidence going into today’s crucial showdown with Korea.
The Koreans also notched its fourth win in as many outings by clobbering Indonesia, 117-55, early in the day.
Korea’s win was so far the largest winning margin in the 9-team tournament.
Many believe that the winner in today’s 5 p.m. encounter could emerge as champion since both teams are still undefeated halfway through the 10-day tournament.
There will be no final duel so the team with best record after single-round-robin will bring home the championship trophy.
Standing in Mighty Sports’ way to glory is Taiwan-A which it will meet on Saturday while the Koreans still have to face the Japanese and Taiwanese – two teams given slim chances to foil the impressive runs of Mighty Sports and Korea.
Mighty Sports started slow this time, allowing the collegiate squad to take a 28-27 first quarter lead but once it rediscovered its offensive rhythm it scored in spurts, leaving UBC players shaking their heads.
Playing like a well-oiled machine in the second canto, Mighty Sports roared to a commanding 65-36 advantage which they wisely protected to tie Korea for the lead.
Coach Charles Tiu had the luxury of fielding Joseph Yeo, Angelo Wongchuking, Gab Banal, and Aaron Black after taking a commanding 98-58 advantage early payoff period – thanks to another splendid showing from Renaldo Balkman, Eugene Phelps and Zach Graham.
Gray led a well-balanced attack with 25 points with Balkman, who turned 35 the other day added 22 and Phelps 20.
This time all players fielded in by Tiu scored two points or more.
