Japan loss keeps Strong Group out of Jones Cup title race

MANILA, Philippines — Following Japan’s loss to the Wonju DB Promy, Strong Group Athletics (SGA) has seen its three-peat aspirations in the Jones Cup end. 

Japan absorbed a 75-64 defeat at the hands of the Korean squad, which flung Promy and Chinese Taipei - Blue to the semifinal round, while sending SGA to the classification round. 

This, despite SGA currently holding a 4-1 win-loss record, good for second seed, in Group A play. 

According to the new format of the Jones Cup, only two teams from the group play will head to the next round of the tournament. But Chinese Taipei - Blue, currently holding a 1-4 win-loss record, is assured of a semifinal berth regardless of their group-stage performance, according to the new format. 

This sends Promy and the home team to the next round of the tourney. 

SGA got blasted by Promy, 110-79, in their first game, but the former answered back with a 113-87 win in their second meeting. 

But because of the quotient, Wonju remained on top of the standings. SGA needed to win by at least 32 points in the second meeting for a chance to make it to the next round.

A win by Japan would have kept the Philippine-based squad in the running for a semifinal berth, but SGA should win over Taipei - Blue in the group stage’s final game. 

But now, the 7 p.m. matchup between the two will be a non-bearing game. 

The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association, in a statement on Thursday, apologized for the controversy caused by the format change. 

“This year, the association decided to change the previous format to reduce the number of consecutive playing days for teams, increase rest days to allow teams to adjust, and avoid increasing the risk of sports injuries from consecutive matches,” it said in a statement posted on the Jones Cup website, which was translated via Google. 

“A new double round-robin group stage format was designed. To enhance the entertainment value, a clause guaranteeing the Chinese Taipei Blue team's advancement to the semifinals was added, ensuring fans can still witness the Chinese Taipei team playing during the semifinals,” it added.

The association said that due to the injuries to its roster just before the Jones Cup, Taipei - Blue had several injuries which affected their performance. 

The past two years, SGA has ruled the tournament, defeating Taipei - Blue in the finals.

“Despite having a better record, they were unable to advance due to the new system,” it said. 

SGA will try to finish the group stage on a high against Taipei - Blue on Thursday evening.