Mighty Sports downs Iran, is virtual Jones Cup champ

(Games today) 1 p.m. – Iran vs Japan 3 p.m. – Egypt vs Mighty Sports 5 p.m. – Korea vs Taipei B 7 p.m. – Sacramento State vs Taipei A

TAIPEI – Mighty Sports Apparels is bringing the Jones Cup crown back to the country.

The dominant Mighty quintet clinched the championship in the 38th edition of the annual international with two playdates left after trouncing deposed champion Iran, 80- 73, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium here yesterday.

Another Mighty player in Mike Singletary went down with an injury, joining Troy Gillenwater in the sideline. But the Phl side still overcame the tough and rugged Iranian squad, notching a sixth straight win that assured the team of the coveted crown.

Al Thornton scored 17 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and got crucial support from Dewarick Spencer and Hamady N’Diaye in the homestretch as Mighty Sports secured a fifth Jones Cup championship for the Philippines.

The Northern Cement Consolidated team delivered the first Jones Cup title for the country in 1981, followed by title runs by San Miguel Beer in 1985, the Philippine Centennial Team in 1998 and Gilas Pilipinas in 2012.

With a perfect slate in six games, Mighty Sports is guaranteed to win the crown tomorrow even if it loses its last two games against Egypt and Chinese Taipei B.