Strong Group-Pilipinas routed by Wonju DB in Jones Cup opener

MANILA, Philippines—Strong Group-Pilipinas stumbled in its first assignment in the 2026 William Jones Cup, falling to Wonju DB Promy of South Korea, 110-79, on Friday in Taiwan.

Spearheaded by NBA veteran Boban Marjanović and Filipino-American guard Remy Martin, the Philippine side fell behind early, trailing 28-15 after the first quarter and never recovering.

Tajuan Agee led Strong Group-Pilipinas with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Isaiah Pinheiro added 13 points and eight rebounds. Naturalized Filipino Malick Diouf chipped in 10 points.

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Marjanović was held to six points, while Martin managed three for the Philippines.

Wonju DB Promy got 25 points from Rayshaun Hammonds and 21 from Filipino import and former KBL MVP Ethan Alvaro.

Strong Group-Pilipinas, which is seeking a three-peat in a tournament featuring a group format this year, faces Japan on Saturday.