Tournament MVP Sam Deguara of Zamboanga Valientes goes for a dunk in the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament. Photo from John Dalipe/Facebook
MANILA -- 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 last week at the Cultural & Sports Center in Sibugay.
Despite the relentless full-court press of the gutsy Knights, the 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.
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With the momentum shifting, Vic Manuel and Kyt Jimenez took matters into their own hands and restored order.
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.
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“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.
"Winning this championship is truly special. The energy from the crowd was incredible, and our Zamboangueño players stepped up when it mattered most," said team owner Junnie Navarro.