PBA veteran Vic Manuel made a strong first impression in his debut for the Zamboanga Valientes, helping his team secure a 95-91 win over the College of Saint Benilde in the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament on Monday in Zamboanga Sibugay.
The two-time PBA champion wasted no time making an impact, scoring seven quick points in the opening quarter and finishing with 11 in his first game since parting ways with Terrafirma.
The 37-year-old forward is set to play for the Valientes throughout the tournament.
“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 Manuel.
Italian-Maltese big man Sam Deguara made headlines after breaking the rim with a powerful dunk in the second quarter, causing a brief game delay before finishing with a team-high 20 points.
Zamboangueño guard Mike Tolomia added 15 points, while Malick Diouf and Claude Camit chipped in 12 and 11, respectively. Former PBA players JR Quiñahan and Carl Bryan Cruz also provided key contributions.
“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.
“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!” added team owner Junnie Navarro.
The post Manuel leads by example in Valientes debut first appeared on Fastbreak.
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