DIBC: Zamboanga suffers bad start, falls to Sagesse

Shabazz Muhammad dropped 32 points on hapless Zamboanga. UAE Basketball Association
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--No more "Introvoyz" this time as Zamboanga was off from start to finish.

Zamboanga struggled to recover from a cold shooting in the first quarter and fell prey to Sagesse, 65-90, in their Dubai International Basketball Championship Group B game early Wednesday (Philippine Time) at the Al-Nasr Club in Dubai.

Unlike in the first two games, where they quickly raced to a double-digit lead only to lose steam too quick as well, Zamboanga was held to only eight points in the opening period as Sagesse ensured its opponent would not start the game on a bright note.

Although Zamboanga had a solid third quarter, the already huge Sagesse lead, which was as high as 28 points, was already too insurmountable enough.

Former San Miguel import Shabazz Muhammad exploded for 32 points on 13-of-17 shooting with eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals for Sagesse, which moved up to 2-1 in the standings.

Ahmad Ibrahim and Gerard Hadidan each added 11 markers, while former Meralco foreign signing Zach Lofton put up six points, three boards, two dimes, and one interception off the bench.

Adonis Thomas and Prince Caperal each tallied 18 points for Zamboanga, which dropped to 0-3.

Sam Deguara, who has been a dominant force inside the shaded lane, was held to only nine points while committing four turnovers, although he too had 10 rebounds.

With Tunisia downing Sharjah, 99-85, on Tuesday night, to also go up to 2-1, Zamboanga is now officially eliminated from playoff contention, leaving Strong Group Athletics as the only Filipino team left still in the title hunt.

Zamboanga will still try to finish its campaign on a high note against Tunisia later Wednesday, while SGA guns for a 4-0 sweep of Group A against Amman United early Thursday.

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