The Zamboanga Valientes continued their woes after succumbing to Sagesse SC, 90-65, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship in United Arab Emirates.
Valientes yield to Lebanese team Sagesse, absorb third loss in Dubai
At a glance
The Zamboanga Valientes continued their woes after succumbing to Sagesse SC, 90-65, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship in United Arab Emirates.
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The Valientes attempted a strong start but Sagesse stamped its class early with an imposing 26-8 lead in the opening frame.
Zamboanga never recovered since then as the Beirut-based Sagesse dictated the pace throughout, including building a 90-62 cushion in the fourth canto.
Only two players scored in double figures for the Valientes with Adonis Thomas and Prince Caperal unloading 18 points apiece in a losing effort. Sam Deguara and Nic Cabanero had measly nine and eight points, respectively.
Former NBA player Shabazz Muhammad erupted with 32 points to lead Sagesse while Ahmad Ibrahim and Gerard Hadidan added 11 points each.
With the loss, the Valientes fell further deeper in the Group B standings with a 0-3 hole, while Sagesse improved to 2-1.
Up next for the Junnie Navarro-owned crew is the Tunisia national team (2-1).
Strong Group Athletics, meanwhile, faces Al Nasr in its final preliminary assignment as it stakes its flawless 3-0 record.