VIC MANUEL, MIKE TOLOMIA LEAD VALIENTES PAST BENILDE IN SIBUGAY INVITATIONAL
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 18 Feb 2025
The Zamboanga Valientes poses for a photo after winning against College of St. Benilde in the Governor Hofer Invitational Basketball Championship
Vic Manuel made his Zamboanga Valientes debut on Monday night, helping the team secure a 95-91 victory over College of Saint Benilde in the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament last Monday evening in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Manuel, a two-time PBA champion with San Miguel, made his presence felt early, scoring seven quick points in the opening quarter before finishing with 11 in his first game since choosing not to renew with Terrafirma.
The 37-year-old will play for the Zamboanga Valientes for the entire duration of the tournament, which is supported by Majority Leader Cong. Mannix Dalipe, Zamboanga Mayor John Dalipe, and 2025 senatorial candidate Col. Ariel Querubin.
“Kailangan as a veteran, kailangan i-lead natin ‘yung mga young players namin. So ‘yun, kailangan mag-step up din kami kahit veterans na kami. Nagtulong-tulong kami, especially sa defense namin kaya nakuha namin ‘yung panalo ngayon,” said the two-time PBA champion.
Italian-Maltese big man Sam Deguara, meanwhile, broke the rim with a monster dunk that caused a brief delay in the second quarter before leading the Zamboanga Valientes with a game-high 20 points.
Zamboangueño guard Mike Tolomia tallied 15 markers, while Malick Diouf and Claude Camit added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Former PBA stars JR Quiñahan and Carl Bryan Cruz suited up and provided valuable contributions as well.
“We're really happy to secure the win tonight. A win is a win, and I'm grateful for the leadership of the veterans, especially in the final moments of the fourth when St. Benilde made their push for a comeback,” said Zamboanga Valientes head coach Bobedick Delos Santos.
The Zamboanga Valientes controlled most of the game, building a commanding 20-point lead, 89-69, after a Deguara layup with 5:46 left. However, the young Blazers mounted a furious comeback and came close to pulling off an upset.
Benilde went on a red-hot 22-6 rally to close out the game but it was not enough as the Zamboanga Valientes held on for the win.
“It was a well-deserved win against a formidable young team. I’m incredibly proud of how the team handled the adversity, especially in the fourth quarter. This is what Zamboanga Valientes basketball is all about. All glory to God! Arriba Zamboanga! Viva Valientes!,” said team owner Junnie Navarro.
Under the leadership of Navarro and with the support of Grumpy Joe’s Benedict Fernandez, PeekUp’s Dave Almarinez, Cocogen, Midas, FGT Trading, Crewe Sharp’s Trevor Crewe, ZC Kings Manpower, and Nemesis Security Agency, the Zamboanga Valientes have remained dedicated to uplifting Zamboangueño athletes.
The Zamboanga Valientes aim to sustain their momentum and secure their second consecutive win when they face De La Salle University on Tuesday at 8:00 PM.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Press Conference Notes: Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol Ready for Historic Undisputed Rematch
Fri, 21 Feb 2025CHRISTY MARTIN PROMOTIONS SIGNS CRUISERWEIGHT KO ARTIST EFETOBOR APOCHI TO PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT
Fri, 21 Feb 2025Grass roots Billiards development program at The Pool Hall Caloocan
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 21 Feb 2025Beterbiev vs. Bivol Rematch: A Clash of Styles, Power, and Precision in Saudi Arabia
By T. Chin-Te, Thu, 20 Feb 2025Ronald Dableo rules Chinese chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 20 Feb 2025WBC's Special Undisputed Light Heavyweight Belt is at Stake for Beterbiev vs. Bivol II in Saudi Arabia
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 20 Feb 2025YOENIS TELLEZ TRAINING CAMP QUOTES
Thu, 20 Feb 2025USA Boxing Announces 2025 Men’s Elite High Performance Team Roster
Thu, 20 Feb 2025GOLDEN BOY STATEMENT REGARDING FLOYD "KID AUSTIN" SCHOFIELD JR.
Wed, 19 Feb 2025Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Team Ready to Defend Title at Penang Sports Club Invitational
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 19 Feb 2025The Past Week in Action 18 February 2025: Davis KOs Berinchyk in 4; Zayas Stops Spomer in 9; Barbosa Edges Catterall
By Eric Armit, Wed, 19 Feb 2025HERLAN, SOLEDAD, ZAMORA MAKE WEIGHT IN BRICO SANTIG’S HIGHLAND BOXING SHOWDOWN IN THAILAND!
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 19 Feb 2025ADLI, RUF, SIGURD MAKE WEIGHT; READY FOR HIGHLAND’S SPECTACULAR SHOW IN THAILAND!
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 19 Feb 2025PPV.COM RETURNS TO THE RING LIVE STREAMING IN FULL HD "RIYADH SEASON'S THE LAST CRESCENDO" ARTUR BETERBIEV vs. DMITRY BIVOL 2
Wed, 19 Feb 2025Brothers on warpath
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 19 Feb 2025