Strong Group Athletics (SGA) won by the skin of its teeth after nipping a tough Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya, 91-89, to complete a five-game sweep of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship group stage on Thursday morning at the Al Nasr Club in United Arab Emirates.

Gilas Pilipinas player Jordan Heading buried two clutch free throws late in the game, which proved to be the marginal points to help SGA complete a comeback from 12 points down and remain unbeaten heading into the next round.

Both teams entered the game carrying 4-0 records.

The wards of coach Charles Tiu moved up to the knockout stage as the No. 1 seed from Group B and will collide with the fourth seed from Group A in the quarterfinal round.

Heading led Strong Group with 19 points, built around five triples, along with five assists, while NBA veteran Dwight Howard added 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.

UAAP Season 86 Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao of La Salle also scored 17 points, highlighted by four triples, while reinforcements Andre Roberson and Andray Blatche chipped in 13 and 10 points respectively for SGA, which held a 22-13 advantage in assists.

Naseem Badrush and Mohamed Sadi led Al Ahli Tripoli with 27 and 22 points as both had four triples in the game.

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