Defending champion Zamboanga edged out reigning NCAA titlist San Beda, 83–76, in a thrilling matchup Wednesday night at the 4th Gov. Ann K. Hofer’s Open Invitational Basketball Tournament held at the Cultural & Sports Center in Ipil, Zamboanga.
Veteran Vic Manuel, a former Gilas Pilipinas player, came through when it mattered most, drilling two crucial three-pointers to halt San Beda’s late surge and stabilize the Valientes down the stretch. Manuel finished with 18 points.
Supporting him was Allyn Bulanadi, a former national pool member, who contributed 15 points, while homegrown stars Mike Tolomia and Denver Cadiz added 12 and 8 points, respectively.
Other key contributors included 2023 UAAP MVP Malick Diouf, who added 12 points and dominated the boards, and Barkley Ebona with 8 points.
The more experienced Valientes built an 11-point lead by halftime and maintained a double-digit advantage through the third quarter and into the early fourth. The Red Lions, living up to their championship pedigree, mounted a late rally, applying relentless pressure and scoring timely baskets to cut the deficit to four points.
The Valientes’ campaign is backed by Zamboanga City Councilor Junnie Navarro, along with former Zamboanga City Mayor and team assistant coach John Dalipe.
Next up for the Valientes, who recently represented the Philippines at the Dubai International Invitational Basketball Championship, are the De La Salle University Green Archers.
The 2025 UAAP champions had already bested the Valientes, 83–74, in an exhibition game last Sunday.
This year’s Hofer Cup also features the UP Fighting Maroons and Alicia WELEC.
