CHAMPION. Renaldo Balkman hoists the championship trophy of the Dubai International Basketball Championship after Mighty Sports won the title at the Shabab Al Ahli Club on Saturday (Feb. 2, 2020). Balkman was named the most valuable player. (Photo courtesy of Shoot News)
MANILA — Mighty Sports took home the title in the Dubai International Basketball Championship after drubbing Al Riyadi Beirut, 92-81, in the final at the Shabab Al Ahli Club early Sunday (Manila Time).
Mighty Sports broke loose from its Lebanese opponent in the third quarter, opening the quarter on a 15-3 run to open a 61-45 lead.
The lead eventually ballooned to as high as 21 early in the fourth quarter before settling for the 11-point win.
Renaldo Balkman made 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting, nine rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal to lead Mighty Sports, which completed a 7-0 sweep of the tournament and became the first team not based in the Middle East to rule the tournament.
Balkman was eventually named the Most Valuable Player of the tourney.
Former Gilas Pilipinas Men naturalized player Andray Blatche added 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Michael Efevberha made 26 markers on five triples, five rebounds, and one assist, while Dwayne Jackson added 20 points, three rebounds, three steals, and one block for Al Riyadi Beirut. (PNA)
