DUBAI—Mighty Sports-Philippines has beaten Egypt’s national team in last year’s Jones Cup, but Bo Perasol, head of the delegation, warned the apparel specialists not to take the Egyptians lightly when they clash today in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament here.
“We beat Egypt in Taiwan last year, but we have seven imports then so we have to take extra good care of the business in manning the shaded lane,” said Perasol, the architect of the team’s 8-game sweep of Jones Cup. “They are also tall and tough.”
Game time is set at 9 p.m. with the Egyptians out to avenge their 80-61 defeat to Mighty Sports in Jones Cup last year.
Perasol recalled that the Egyptians gave them hellish moments before then imports Hamady N’Diaye, Al Thornton and Dewarick Spencer connived in a telling breakaway to start the payoff period.
“We took control of the game, but it was only in the fourth that we managed to pull away,” said Perasol.
Out to win their second international title, Mighty Sports, backed by Rain or Shine and Scratch It, was playing host Al Ahli at presstime.
After Egypt, Mighty Sports faces Segese on the 20th, takes a break on the 21st before facing Homenetmen and Al Riyado on the 22nd and 23rd. Their final elimination game will be against Ball Above All on the 24th with the one-game final set the following day between the top two teams.
Though Mighty Sports has only four imports now, including naturalized Marcus Douthit, Perasol said they are solid with 7’3” Hasheem Thabeet manning the post and NBA veterans Dominic McGuire and Justin Brownlee out to provide firepower.
Mighty Sports head coach Charles Tiu said it is paramount that local talents like Chris Tiu, Kiefer Ravena, JC Intal, Ryan Arana, Willie Miller and Jeron Teng make their outside shots.
“If they make their outside shots, that will lessen the burden on our imports,” said Tiu. “We can’t rely much on them because we have to play almost everyday. That’s why it is important that our local players will contribute.”
Game Today (Al Ahli gym)
9 p.m. – Mighty Sports-PH vs Egypt