John Amores made the most during his Zamboanga debut, helping the Valientes take a 108-94 victory over Surabaya to open their ABL Invitational League 2023 campaign, Tuesday at OCBC Arena in Singapore.
The controversial Jose Rizal University student tallied 16 points, five rebounds, and two steals to help the Valientes take win no. 1.
The Valientes had to claw back from a 65-74 deficit heading into the final frame.
Cold all game long, Zamboanga found its touch when it mattered the most, going on a 9-0 start to tie the game at 79-all.
Back-to-back baskets by Antonio Hester and Amores with 4:36 left sparked a huge endgame rally that silenced the Indonesians.
Hester produced 35 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals while Jeremy Arthur tallied 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals.
Ryan Smith tallied a double-double as well with 18 points and 16 boards.
Up next for the Valientes are the Saigon Heat on Friday.
Former Chooks 3×3 import Marcus Hammonds led the way for Louvre with 32 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Alioune Tew got 24 points and 22 rebounds while former NBL-Pilipinas MVP Biboy Enguio added 14 markers.
