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Kicking mars Valientes loss to Ahli Tripoli

Sports | Basketball

Kicking mars Valientes loss to Ahli Tripoli

By Reynald I. Magallon

At A Glance

A physical altercation that involved kicking of one Filipino player marred Zamboanga Valientes' 103-110 loss to Ahli Tripoli in the 2026 Dubai International Basketball Championship on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

(Video Screen grab)

(Video Screen grab)

A physical altercation that involved kicking of one Filipino player marred Zamboanga Valientes’ 103-110 loss to Ahli Tripoli in the 2026 Dubai International Basketball Championship on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Ahli Tripoli import Ismael Romero got entangled with Valientes’ guard Nick Demusis after the latter jumped and tried to go for a block but ended up landing on the back of the former midway through the second frame.

The hit did not sit well with Romero, who then kicked Demusis twice while lying on the floor. Fortunately, the 6-foot-4 winger was not seriously hurt as cooler heads were quick to prevail.

Still, Romero’s actions were quite a surprise considering that he’s been familiar with the Filipino’s physicality having played with Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League.

The 6-foot-10 center also played in front of the Filipino fans during the 2023 FIBA World Cup when he suited up for Puerto Rico.

Even with the absence of Romero, however, the Libyan team proved to be a tough nut to crack for Zamboanga as Nashum Badrush and Keron DeShields provided a deadly one-two punch.

Badrush finished with 37 points while Deshields chipped in 34. Former NBA player Emmanuel Mudiay also shone with 25.

Forthsky Padrigao paced the Valientes with 25 while Malik Diouf tried to hold the fort with 20 points and 12 rebounds to go with seven assists.

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