By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — Strong Group-Pilipinas puts its four-game winning streak on the line against Chinese Taipei Blue on Thursday as it seeks a fifth consecutive victory in the 2026 William Jones Cup in New Taipei City.
The Philippines enters the game brimming with confidence after demolishing Wonju DB Promy of South Korea, 113-87, on Wednesday. The convincing victory improved Strong Group’s record to 4-1 and kept its hopes alive of securing the top spot in Group A.
Matthew Wright erupted for 24 points, drilling six triples, while Tajuan Agee contributed 22 points as Strong Group overwhelmed the Koreans from start to finish.
But the Filipinos still have work to do.
Strong Group needs to beat Chinese Taipei and hope Japan defeats Wonju to claim the top spot in Group A and advance to the semifinals. Only the group winner earns a semifinal berth, while host Chinese Taipei is already assured of the other spot.
Chinese Taipei, despite a 1-3 record, remains a dangerous opponent on its home floor and will provide Strong Group with another opportunity to test its depth and consistency.
The Philippines has been rolling since its earlier loss, stringing together victories over Japan and Wonju to move within reach of another championship appearance.
Strong Group will face Chinese Taipei at 7 p.m. Thursday, with a fifth straight win potentially putting the Filipinos one step closer to the semifinals.
After four straight victories, Strong Group-Pilipinas now has one more challenge: finish the job against the hosts and keep its title hopes burning.
Writing
Strong Group-Pilipinas faces Chinese Taipei, eyes fifth straight victory
By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA, Philippines — Riding a four-game winning streak, Strong Group-Pilipinas goes for victory No. 5 when it takes on Chinese Taipei Blue on Thursday in the 2026 William Jones Cup in New Taipei City.
Strong Group is coming off another dominant performance, crushing Wonju DB Promy, 113-87, behind the hot shooting of Matthew Wright and the inside presence of Tajuan Agee.
Wright knocked down six three-pointers on his way to 24 points, while Agee finished with 22 as the Philippines improved to 4-1 in Group A.
The victory, however, was not enough to give Strong Group the advantage it needed in the semifinal race. The Filipinos failed to beat Wonju by the required margin and remain behind the Korean side on point differential.
That makes Thursday’s showdown with Chinese Taipei even more important.
Strong Group must defeat the hosts and hope Japan beats Wonju to finish on top of Group A and claim the group’s lone remaining semifinal ticket. Chinese Taipei has already secured a semifinal berth as host despite carrying a 1-3 record.
The Philippines has built momentum after bouncing back from its lone defeat with four consecutive wins, including a 107-86 rout of Japan and Wednesday’s 26-point demolition of Wonju.
Now, Strong Group faces Chinese Taipei with a chance to extend its winning streak to five and keep its bid for a third straight William Jones Cup championship alive.
The much-anticipated matchup is set for 7 p.m. Thursday in New Taipei City, with Strong Group-Pilipinas needing another complete performance to stay in the hunt.
elamigo/xf
