Philippines, 31 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


ZAMBOANGA VALIENTES CLAIM SWEET REVENGE ON LETRAN TO WIN SIBUGAY POCKET TOURNEY

PhilBoxing.com


The Zamboanga Valientes exacted sweet revenge on Letran Asenso Bancoro, securing a 91-81 victory to bag the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament title on Friday night at the Cultural & Sports Center in Sibugay.

Despite the relentless full-court press of the gutsy Knights, the Zamboanga Valientes held their ground, relying on clutch baskets from Zamboangueño heroes Job Alcantara and Reed Juntilla to build a commanding 72-57 lead heading into the final frame.

The Zamboanga Valientes managed to keep Letran at bay in the fourth, but the Knights refused to back down, cutting the lead to single digits after Nathan Montecillo calmly sank two free throws with 3:14 remaining.

With the momentum shifting, Vic Manuel and Kyt Jimenez took matters into their own hands and restored order for the Zamboanga Valientes, which was supported by Majority Leader Cong. Mannix Dalipe, Zamboanga Mayor John Dalipe, and 2025 senatorial candidate Ariel Querubin.

Manuel asserted his dominance in the paint, sinking a crucial basket before Jimenez electrified the roaring crowd with a dazzling crossover that shook off two Letran defenders and finished with a tough layup, pushing the score to 88-75, entering the final two minutes.

The Knights had no response as the Zamboanga Valientes secured the win, finally toppling the only team that bested them in the eliminations and capturing the championship along with a ₱700,000 prize.

“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 Zamboanga Valientes head coach Bobidick Delos Santos Jr.

Before their impressive showing in the final, the Zamboanga Valientes topped the elimination round with a 3-1 record, defeating collegiate powerhouses De La Salle University and College of St. Benilde, as well as professional team Basilan Starhorse.

Italian-Maltese center Sam Deguara, a crowd favorite in Sibugay, was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. He finished with 24 points in the finale.

Manuel came up with 18 points, Jimenez tallied 14, while Forthsky Padrigao and Mike Tolomia added nine and eight points respectively in the win.

The Zamboanga Valientes’ mission of uplifting their homegrown talent was in full display throughout the tournament, with Rudy Lingganay, Tolomia Padrigao, Alcantara, and Juntilla making significant contributions on both ends of the floor, showcasing the depth of local talent that powered the Valientes to the championship.

“Winning this championship is truly special. The energy from the crowd was incredible, and our Zamboangueño players stepped up when it mattered most. Seeing them shine on this stage proves that Zamboanga basketball is alive and thriving. All glory to God! Arriba Zamboanga! Viva Valientes!,” said team owner Junnie Navarro.

Led by Navarro and backed by key supporters—including 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 continue to provide opportunities for Zamboangueño athletes to showcase their talents on bigger stages.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • History made twice over
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • ORLANDO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND VIDEO: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID BETWEEN LENIER PERO, JORDAN THOMPSON AND UNDERCARD
    , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Biado, Magpantay enter last 32 round of Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Shaw vs Woodward Return for the 2025 Mosconi Cup!
    , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Mavericks-Pistons ready for 34th NBA game in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Stars of the show
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH 2: REMATCH SEASON SET FOR DECEMBER 13 IN LOS ANGELES
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Carcosia to fight Ogawa in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • ERISLANDY LARA VS. JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS STAR-STUDDED PITBULL VS. ROACH PPV UNDERCARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Santiago City in Veraguas, Panama, hosts a historic WBA world championship night
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Weights From Liverpool, New York
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • PERO AND THOMPSON GO HEAD-TO-HEAD AHEAD OF ORLANDO HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • 4 Strategic Skills Boxers Can Learn from Online Poker
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Yoelvis Gomez Focused and Ready for Unbeaten Test Against Antraveous Ingram on DAZN
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Spectacular start to the NBA season
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • GM Joey bounces back into contention
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • JERUSALEM DEFEATS KUSE BY UD, RETAINS WBC CROWN; MARCIAL WINS
    By Dong Secuya, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Weigh-In Results: Mary Spencer vs. Mikaela Mayer
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Tapales KOs Toro in the 6th round
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Magramo keeps WBC International light fly title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Bacosa wins in Thrilla in Manila 2
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 29 Oct 2025
  • Llover Saves Pinoy Stint in Bishkek; Kayoes Tall Argentine to Stay Unbeaten
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 29 Oct 2025
  • Alex Sarr makes Wizards history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 29 Oct 2025
  • Unbeaten and undefiled
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 29 Oct 2025
  • Press Conference Notes: Mary Spencer & Mikaela Mayer Battle for Three Super Welterweight World Titles
    , Wed, 29 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.