Zamboanga revives late surge after trouncing Valenzuela

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Zamboanga quickly returned to its newfound winning ways after downing Valenzuela, 79-71, in the MPBL 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, which fell to a tie with Caloocan, which will host Mandaluyong later Thursday, for 10th place in the Northern Division at 7-13.

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