Zamboanga wards off Valenzuela

MANILA, Philippines — Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines boosted their playoffs bid with an 85-78 win against Valenzuela-Carga Backload Solutions in the Chooks-to-Go-MPBL Lakan Season at the Bahayang Pag-asa Gym in Valenzuela City last Tuesday.

Down by 19 points, 76-57, Jayson Varilla drained a three-pointer in the 7:38 mark of the fourth quarter to pump life into Valenzuela’s hopes. The former UE stalwart was able to ignite an 8-0 run to trim Zamboanga’s lead to 11 points, 76-65.

But Alvin Pasaol reported back into the game with less than four minutes remaining and scored four consecutive points as Zamboanga warded off the home squad.

“I think we didn’t finish strong on this game. Of course, credit to Valenzuela for really protecting their own. Very well-coached and very disciplined team. I think we need to work on how to finish our game,” said Zamboanga coach Britt Reroma. 

Pasaol finished with 24 points to go with nine rebounds and four assists to give Zamboanga its third straight victory en route to a 16-10 record in the Southern Division, which is good for seventh place in the tight race.

Santi Santillan chipped in 14 points and seven boards while Anton Asistio had 11 points built on two triples.

On the other hand, Paolo Hubalde led Valenzuela with 16 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Allan Santos contributed 12 points and seven boards while Varilla and Eliud Poligrates ended with 12 and 10 markers for Valenzuela.