DEFENDING champion Zamboanga Valientes beat reigning NCAA titlist San Beda, 83–76, in a thrilling matchup in the 4th Gov. Ann K. Hofer’s Open Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Cultural & Sports Center in Ipil, Zamboanga.
Veteran Vic Manuel stepped up when it mattered most, drilling two crucial three-pointers to halt San Beda’s final surge and steady the Valientes down the stretch. Manuel finished with 18 points.
READ Valientes go out on a high by taking down reigning champ Beirut
Allyn Bulanadi, a former national pool member, provided support with 15 points, while homegrown stars Mike Tolomia and Denver Cadiz contributed 12 and 8 points, respectively.
Other Valientes who delivered were 2023 UAAP MVP Malick Diouf, with 12 points apart from controlling the boards, and Barkley Ebona with 8 points.
The more experienced Valientes built an 11-point advantage at the half and maintained a double-digit lead through the third period and into the early fourth quarter.
The Red Lions, living up to their championship pedigree, mounted a late rally, applying relentless pressure and timely baskets to trim the gap to four points.
The Valientes were mainly supported by Zamboanga City Councilor Junnie Navarro, alongside former Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe, who also serves as an assistant coach for the team.
Next up for the Valientes, who represented the country in last month's Dubai International Invitational Basketball Championship, are the De La Salle Green Archers.
The Green Archers, the 2025 UAAP champion, bested the Valientes, 83-74, in an exhibition game on Sunday.
This year's Hofer Cup also features the UP Fighting Maroons and Alicia WELEC.
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