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Philippines, 23 Feb 2026 |
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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.  |
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