# Format controversy eliminates SGA from Jones Cup semifinals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/strong-group-athletics-william-jones-cup-campaign
> Updated: 2026-08-20T04:31:46.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Strong Group Athletics (SGA) concluded their 2026 William Jones Cup campaign in controversy after being eliminated from semifinal contention despite a 5-1 group stage record. In their final group match, SGA secured a dominant 117-74 victory over Chinese Taipei Blue, led by Isaiah Piñeiro’s 22 points.

Despite the win, the Philippine-reinforced squad was denied a spot in the Final Four due to a revamped tournament structure. The format guaranteed a semifinal berth for the host team, Chinese Taipei Blue, even though they finished the group stage with an inferior 1-5 record. Additionally, SGA was surpassed by Wonju DB Promy in the tiebreaker system despite holding an identical win-loss record. Observers criticized the imbalance between groups, noting that one group allowed two advancing teams while the other only allowed one.

The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) issued an apology, stating that the new double round-robin format—designed to reduce injury risks and consecutive playing days—resulted in these shortcomings. The CTBA has committed to reviewing the tournament’s format and scheduling for future editions.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: William Jones Cup format controversy eliminates defending champion SGA

Defending champions Strong Group Athletics were eliminated from the William Jones Cup semifinals despite a 5-1 record due to a controversial tournament format that guaranteed a spot for Chinese Taipei Blue.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/william-jones-cup-taiwan-white-and-strong-group-secure-decisive-victories

### 2026-08-18: Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas keeps semifinal hopes alive with win over Wonju

Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas kept its William Jones Cup semifinal hopes alive with a 113-87 win over Wonju DB Promy, though tournament scoring margin rules leave their advancement uncertain.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/strong-group-athletics-pilipinas-keeps-semifinal-hopes-alive-with-win-over-wonju

### 2026-08-13: Strong Group Athletics begins William Jones Cup title bid

Strong Group Athletics begins its bid for a third straight William Jones Cup title in Taiwan, featuring Boban Marjanovic and Matthew Wright in a challenging group stage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/strong-group-athletics-begins-william-jones-cup-title-bid

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Cite as: Format controversy eliminates SGA from Jones Cup semifinals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/strong-group-athletics-william-jones-cup-campaign