Photo credit: ABL
Philippines' representative Zamboanga Valientes (2-2) regained their winning form as they took down the host team Singapore Slingers (2-2), 87-79 to grab their second win in the 2023 ABL Invitational (Leg 1) on Sunday, January 8 at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.
Former Terrafirma import Antonio Hester led the Valientes with a double-double of 28 points (11/15fg, 6/9ft), along with 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and a block. Ryan Joseph Smith with a solid game of 15 points (7/10fg, 1/3 3pts), to go with 13 rebounds, 1 steal and 3 blocks.
Veteran guard Rudy Lingganay added 14 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists while former Jose Rizal University (JRU) cager John Amores finished with 5 points (2/2fg, 1/1 3pts) with 2 rebounds in 12 minutes of play.
Former San Beda Red Lion James Kwekuteye had 9 points, 3 rebounds and an assist while Fil-Am guard Jeremy Arthur added 8 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.
The Valientes will face the Cooly Bangkok Tigers on January 12 at 8:00pm at the Hi-Test Arena in Batam, Indonesia.
The Scores:
ZAMBOANGA 87 - Hester 28, Smith 15, Lingganay 14, Kuwekuteye 9, Arthur 8, Chan 5, Amores 5, Bernardo 3, Cariño 0, Cawaling 0.
SLINGERS 79 – Barkley 29, Gettys 19, Goh 12, Alexander 11, Liew 3, Helzer 3, Lim 2, Mah 0.
Quarters: 20-28, 47-49, 67-61, 87-79. [GAME STATS] | [GAME HIGHLIGHTS]