Photo credit: ABL
Filipino Jeff Viernes-mentored NS Matrix of Malaysia (2-2) escapes past the Philippines' representative Zamboanga Valientes (1-2), 86-82 to grab their second win in the 2023 ABL Invitational (Leg 1) on Saturday, January 7 at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.
NS Matrix's import Amir Williams led the Matrix' rally from a 15-point deficit and finished with a double-double of 22 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 blocks. Tevin Glass with a solid game of 17 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals while Malaysian Ting Chun Hong added 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a block.
Ryan Joseph Smith paced the Valientes with 20 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Former Terrafirma import Antonio Hester with another double-double performance of 17 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists while former San Beda Red Lion James Kwekuteye had 15 points (5/17fg, 3/8 3pts, 2/2ft), along with 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Fil-Am Jeremy Arthur scored 13 points to go with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. John Amores had 3 points (1/4 3pts), 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 13 minutes of play.
The Valientes will try to bounce back against Singapore Slingers on January 8 and Cooly Bangkok Tigers on January 12.
The Scores:
NS MATRIX – Williams 22, Glass 17, Ting 17, Wong 13, Ooi 6, Hiew 6, Kuek 2, Iloka 2, Teo 0, Ong 0, De 0.
ZAMBOANGA - Smith 20, Hester 17, Kwekuteye 15, Arthur 13, Cawaling 5, Lingganay 5, Amores 3, Bernardo 2, Cariño 2, Belorio 0, Chan 0, Cadiz 0.
Quarters: 18-24, 43-49, 68-68, 86-82. [GAME STATS] | [GAME HIGHLIGHTS] | [Buy PBA Jersey]
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Zamboanga Valientes vs. NS Matrix - HIGHLIGHTS by ABL