Heading had ice running through his veins with clutch free throws.
Jordan Heading kept Strong Group Athletics (SGA) undefeated in Group B of the Dubai International Basketball Championship, as the Philippine-bannered squad outlasted Al Ahly Tripoli, 91-89.
The Libya-based squad started off strong in the first quarter, outscoring SGA, 27-20. But Strong Group bounced back, led by Heading's five shots from beyond the arc.
The second half was a tight affair, with Al Ahly Tripoli cutting the lead to just a single digit after a six-point run.
The last Tripoli basket came from a Heading turnover, leading to a steal and a Nicholas West jumper.
SGA was only leading by one, 89-88, with 31 seconds left.
Heading was fouled with 18 seconds left. At the charity stripe, he was able to find redeem himself and make both free throws to stretch the lead to three, 91-88.
Al Ahli Tripoli had two attempts to tie the ball game, but missed. Wajdi Omran Dawo was only able to make one of two free throws with less than a second remaining.
Heading made 19 points overall, including five baskets from deep. Kevin Quiambao and Dwight Howard added 17 each.
It was enough to nullify Naseim Badrush's 27 points for Tripoli, along with captain Mohamed Sadi's 22.
SGA finished Group B undefeated at 5-0 and will await their opponents in the quarterfinals on Friday, January 26, Philippine time.