MANILA, Philippines, February 20 ------ Following a triumphant Zamboanga Valientes debut, Vic Manuel displayed his veteran experience once more, delivering clutch baskets and plays to power Zamboanga past De La Salle University, 72-68, in the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Cultural and Sports Center in Sibugay.
Trailing by six points, Manuel sparked a 10-0 run as he found his rhythm from beyond the arc and through a floater in just 25 seconds to bring Valientes into one, 67-68, with 1:38 left in regulation. The former San Miguel and Terrafirma big man then made a crucial play, stealing the ball off the hands of Jacob Cortez as he made an assist to Mike Tolomia for the go-ahead basket, 69-68, with 1:15 remaining on the clock. Helping Manuel and Tolomia was Malick Diouf, who drilled a putback to stretch the separation to 71-68.
In the dying moments, the Green Archers had an opportunity to force an extended period, but JC Macalalag overcooked his triple, as Manuel sealed the match with a split on the charity line, concluding a massive 10-0 run to steal the win over the college team.
Manuel collected a total of 17 points 10 of those in the payoff period, while Malick Diouf and Prince Caperal also had 12 and 11 markers, completing the supporting cast who breached twin-digit scoring. "This is a proud moment, a win we dedicate to Zamboanga City. Our team, composed of experienced professionals, showed their class and determination against two strong collegiate programs," said Zamboanga Valientes team owner Junnie Navarro as the squad stole back-to-back wins against La Salle, and earlier, College of St. Benilde. Meanwhile, the Green Archers — who entered their post-Kevin Quiambao-era — absorbed consecutive defeats, losing earlier to University of Visayas Green Lancers at the same tourney.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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