Zamboanga Valientes rule Zamboanga Sibugay invitational

Zamboanga Valientes ruled an open invitational tournament in Zamboanga Sibugay after defeating Letran, 91-81, in the finals on Friday.

Job Alcantara and Reed Juntilla’s clutch baskets handed the Valientes a 72-57 lead before the final frame. The Knights, however, recovered and cut their deficit to a single digit with around three minutes left.

Vic Manuel then sank a crucial basket before Jimenez made a layup to put Zamboanga at 88-75 with two minutes remaining. Letran then lost steam as Zamboanga clinched the victory.

Italian-Maltese center Sam Deguara, who was named as the Most Valuable Player of the tourney, finished with 24 points, while Manuel had 18 points. Jimenez added 14 points, while Forthsky Padrigao and Mike Tolomia added nine and eight points, respectively.

“This championship is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players. They fought through every challenge and proved that we belong at the top. Winning this tournament means a lot, especially with our local talents stepping up,” said Valientes head coach Bobidick Delos Santos Jr.

Prior to this, Zamboanga defeated De La Salle University, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and Basilan Starhorse, but fell to Letran in the elimination round to top the standings with a 3-1 card.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News