By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Zamboanga Valientes are fast turning out to be the “punching bag” in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship after absorbing a 90-65 loss to Sagesse SC early Wednesday, Jan. 29, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Valientes started ominously, falling behind 26-8 in the opening frame, a deficit they tried to overcome but failed.
Though Zamboanga was able to make some counters, Sagesse shrugged it off swiftly to hand the PH club team its third straight defeat.
Adonis Thomas and Prince Caperal led Zamboanga with 18 points apiece while 7-foot-4 Sam Deguara and Nic Cabanero backed them up with nine and eight points, respectively.
Former NBA player Shabazz Muhammad erupted with 32 points to lead Sagesse’s offense while Ahmad Ibrahim and Gerard Hadidan added 11 each.
Valientes is now at the bottom of the Group B standings with a 0-3 slate while Sagesse improved to 2-1.
Strong Group, another PH club eager to mirror Mighty Sports’ 2020 triumph in the biggest basketball tournament in the Middle East, leads Group A with 3-0 card.
