Zamboanga pips Valenzuela to inch closer in playoff chase

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno

January 18, 2019, 7:29 am

MANILA — The Zamboanga Valientes quickly returned to its newfound winning ways after downing Valenzuela Classic, 79-71, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Caloocan Sports Complex on Thursday night.

The Valientes recovered from the Classic's blazing start and completely turned the tides in the second quarter, outscoring their opponents, 25-15, before holding them off in the second half.

Robin Roño put up 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal, while Allan Santos and Von Lanete each made 12 points for Zamboanga, which tied Parañaque for ninth place in the Southern Division at 8-11, a half-game behind Cebu City and Laguna for seventh and eighth places.

JM Noble contributed seven points, making all of his three field goals, two rebounds, and one blocks.

Chris de Chavez made 22 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block for Valenzuela. (PNA)

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