MIGHTY Sports Philippines is off to a good start in the 31st Dubai International Basketball Tournament, winning its first two assignments in Group B to stay undefeated.
It is something it hopes to continue when it returns to action on Jan. 28 versus Es Rades of Tunisia in a match set at the Shabab al Ahli Sports Club.
Mighty Sports, composed of a solid mix of imports, veterans, collegiate and up-and-coming players, downed the United Arab Emirates national team, 88-82, in its opener on Jan. 23 before defeating Al Ittihad of Syria, 77-72, on Jan. 24.
Against Al Ittihad, Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Andray Blatche led the way, finishing with 28 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block.
Renaldo Balkman churned in 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in the Mighty Sports win, with McKenzie Moore adding nine points.
Mighty Sports is hoping to finally notch a championship breakthrough since first joining the tournament in 2017.
Last year, it finished at third place, defeating Homentmen of Lebanon in the bronze medal game.
Other members of this year’s team are Jelan Kendrick, Jamie Malonzo, Thirdy Ravena, Beau Belga, Joseph Yeo, Juan and Javi Gomez De Liano, Dave Ildefonso, Isaac Go, Gab Banal, Joaqui Manuel and Jarrell Lim.
The Mighty Sports-Es Rades game will broadcast over One Sports on Cignal TV at 1 a.m.
The 31st Dubai International Basketball Tournament happens until Feb. 1. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
