Philippine representatives Strong Group Athletics are opting out of the bronze medal match in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
The Strong Group Athletics have announced that they will not be participating in the bronze medal match of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship, after suffering a shock loss in the semifinals to the Tunisia national team, 68-63, at the Al Nasr Club on Saturday (early Sunday morning, Manila time).
Calling out iffy officiating during their semis game, the Frank Lao-backed group said that they pulled out as the team calls for “equality and fairness in officiating” in the invitational tournament.
Despite being bannered by four former NBA players — including DeMarcus Cousins and Andray Blatche, the team were stymied against the Tunisians because of officiating that SGA deemed favored Tunisia in “crucial decisions.”
In the statement published early Sunday morning, SGA pointed to the “most controversial moment” in the dying seconds of the game where SGA were trailing, 66-63.
During the final moments of the game, Rhenz Abando pulled up from beyond the arc for a potential game-tying basket but was allegedly bodied from behind by Tunisia’s Mokhtar Ghyaza.
No foul was called, which forced the Filipinos to send a Tunisian instead to the foul line to stop the clock.
Radhouane Slimane nailed his free throws to arrive at the final score as the Strong Group came crashing down.
The unfortunate sequence halted Strong Group’s comeback try as they fought back from a deficit as many as 12 points as they entered the fourth quarter behind, 59-47.
Though falling short of their ultimate goal of the championship, Strong Group hopes the statement of their non-participation in the third place game will advocate for better officiating.
“Our decision not to play in the third-place match is not just about one game—it is about advocating for officiating that upholds the spirit of sportsmanship and ensures that all teams are given a fair chance to compete,” they said.
“We extend our gratitude to our supporters and assure our fans that despite this unfortunate outcome, we remain committed to representing the Philippines with pride on the global stage.”
Cousins paced Strong Group in the losing effort with 18 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. Chris McCullough also had 18 markers.
Slimane led the cavalry for Tunisia in the finals-clinching win with 23 points.