ZAMBOANGA Valientes got even against previous tormentor Pola Pilipinas RPG, 85-70, to kick off its campaign in the fourth leg of The Asian Tournament on a bright Saturday in Taipei.
Import Ricky Bryce had a double-double of 19 rebounds and 15 points, while adding four assists and five block shots for Valientes, who also unveiled new acquisition Geo Chiu in the team’s opening game at the Taipei Heping basketball gymnasium.
The 6-foot-8 Chiu, who played for Ateneo De Manila in college, likewise finished with a double-double of 12 rebounds and 10 points in the win that avenged the Valientes’ heartbreaking 83-81 loss to Pola Pilipinas during the third leg final held in Oriental Mindoro last month.
Chiu previously played for the Taiwan Mustangs who engaged Gilas Pilipinas in a friendly prior to the national team’s departure for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia.
He is also coming off a stint with Strong Group Athletics which bagged the 2024 Jones Cup title just last week in Taipei.
Franky Johnson led the way for Zamboanga with 19 points on 3-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, while veteran guard Mike Tolomia added 11.
The Valientes, still seeking a leg title in the fledgling league, are set to host the tournament grand finals two weeks from now in Zamboanga.
The Philippine side returns to court on Sunday against the Vanta Black Dragons.
After a day’s rest, the Valientes take on the East Sea Pirates on Tuesday, the Macau Black Bears on Wednesday, and the Taiwan Mustangs featuring the trio of Dwight Howard, DeMarcus Cousins, and Quinn Cook on Thursday at the end of the group phase.
The Valientes' campaign in the meet is backed by Grumpy Joe, Col. Ariel Querubin, Mayor John Dalipe, Cong Mannix Dalipe, and Cong. Kymer Olaso.
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