Basilan Starhorse delivered a thrilling 60-57 victory over De La Salle University, while the Zamboanga Valientes fended off a late surge from College of St. Benilde, 95-91, as both squads opened their campaigns with wins in the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Cultural & Sports Center in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Basilan Starhorse outlasted the UAAP silver medalists in a tightly contested battle, securing their first win of the tournament behind Jervy Cruz’s hot shooting.
With 26.6 seconds left, Jacob Cortez drained a crucial three-pointer, trimming the Green Archers’ deficit to three, 57-60. Moments later, Mike Phillips came up with a key steal, setting up a potential game-tying possession.
Kean Baclaan attacked the rim but was fouled by Renzo Navarro.
The former NU Bulldog missed the first free throw and intentionally misfired the second, hoping for an offensive rebound.
However, Eman Calo tapped the ball out of bounds, giving La Salle one last shot with 5.6 seconds remaining.
Baclaan launched a contested three over Navarro but couldn’t convert, allowing Basilan to escape with the hard-fought victory.
Cruz paced Basilan with 15 points, knocking down five triples in the process.
(C) Zamboanga Valientes
Meanwhile, Vic Manuel made an impact in his Zamboanga Valientes debut, helping his squad withstand a furious comeback from St. Benilde.
Reuniting with his former San Miguel teammate Kyt Jimenez, the two-time PBA champion made his presence felt early, scoring seven quick points in the first quarter before finishing with 11 in his first game since opting not to re-sign with Terrafirma.
Manuel remains committed to Zamboanga, backed by 2025 senatorial candidate Col. Ariel Querubin, before his anticipated move to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“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.
Maltese big man Sam Deguara led the Valientes with 20 points and made headlines when his powerful dunk shattered the rim, causing a brief delay in the second quarter.
Mike Tolomia added 15 markers, while Malick Diouf and Claude Camit chipped in 12 and 11, respectively.
“We’re really happy to secure the win tonight. A win is still 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 head coach Bobedick delos Santos.
Zamboanga built a commanding 20-point lead, 89-69, with 5:46 left after a Deguara layup. However, St. Benilde stormed back with a 22-6 run, coming within striking distance in the final minutes.
Despite the Blazers’ late push, the Valientes held on to secure the win.
Zamboanga will look to continue their momentum against De La Salle University on Tuesday at 8:00 PM.
