MANILA – MLV-Zamboanga Valientes dropped a close 92–90 overtime loss to Syria’s Al Karamah in the 2026 Dubai International Basketball Invitational on Sunday night (Monday in the Philippines) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Zamboanga trailed from the middle of the opening quarter but stayed within striking distance behind veteran guard Terrence Romeo, who scored several late baskets in regulation to tie the game at 82-all and send it to overtime.
Romeo continued to lead the Valientes in the extra period with support from Vic Manuel and Maodo Malik Diouf, but missed free throws and rebounding woes proved costly.
Diouf was unable to converted on four free throws in overtime, before Keven Eloy knocked down a difficult buzzer-beating basket to lift Al Karamah to the two-point win.
Romeo finished with 18 points, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals. Former NBA top pick Anthony Bennett added 16 points, while 7-foot-6 Sam Deguara had 14 points before fouling out late in regulation.
Gregory Slaughter, on the other hand, was unable to make use of his wide seven-foot frame as he ended up with just two points in less than seven minutes of action for the Valientes.
Brandon Alston led Al Karamah with 22 points, while Magbo Bo Aetah contributed 16 markers. Despite being undersized, the Syrians outrebounded the Valientes, 43-23.
The loss dropped Zamboanga to an 0–2 record in the tournament. The Valientes will face Al Ahli Tripoli on Wednesday at 1:00 a.m. (Manila time) and Sports Club Beirut the following day.
To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Valientes must win both remaining games and hope Al Karamah also prevails in its next two outings./PN
