MANILA – Zamboanga Valientes continued their struggle in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championships as they bowed to Al Ahly Tripoli of Libya, 107-84, on Sunday night (Monday in the Philippines) in Dubai, UAE.
Just like in their 97-82 defeat to the Al Sharjah SC of Dubai, the Valientes had a strong start against Al Ahly Tripoli as they took a 28-19 advantage behind inside conversions from Sam Deguara.
The Valientes’ lead reached as high as 17 points in the second quarter at 36-19 on four straight points by Nicael Cabanero, but Al Ahly Tripoli quickly turned things around to take a 51-44 halftime advantage.
Al Ahly Tripoli continued their onslaught in the third period as they cruised to a 77-60 behind their consecutive triples, but the Valientes managed to cut it to 66-77 entering in the final quarter.
The Valientes managed to cut the deficit to 75-81 on a layup by Cabanero but Al Ahly Tripoli responded with consecutive baskets to stretch the lead back to double-digits with over five minutes left.
Mohamed Sadi led the way for Al Ahly Tripoli with 25 points, Wuat Alok added a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Naseim Badrush, Deng Angok Yak, and Pierre Jackson contributed 19, 17, and 11 markers, respectively.
Deguara top-scored for the Valientes with 25 points, Adonis Michael Thomas added 24 markers, while Cabanero contributed 14 points as they suffered their second loss in as many games.
The Valientes will attempt for their first victory against the Sagesse SC of Lebanon on Tuesday night (Wednesday, January 29, 1:00 a.m., Manila time)./PN
BOX SCORE:
AL AHLY 107 – Sadi 25, Alok 24, Badrush 19, Yak 17, Jackson 11, Buzgaiya 6, Dawo 5, Saeed 0, Fellah 0, Aboufardah 0, Abdrahim 0.
ZAMBOANGA 84 – Deguara 25, Thomas 24, Cabanero 14, Tolomia 8, Padrigao 5, Caperal 3, McCarthy 3, Diouf 2, Jimenez 0, Lingganay 0, Holmqvist 0.
Quarterscores: 19-28, 51-44, 77-66, 107-84.
