A balanced scoring night for Zamboanga Valientes goes down the drain as they fall flat after a strong opening period in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
The Zamboanga Valientes couldn’t sustain their momentum after leading in the first quarter, falling against Al Sharjah Club, 97-82, in their opening game at the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship at Al Nasr Club on Saturday night.
After seizing an early double-digit lead, 30-19, Zamboanga subsequently lost all three quarters in scoring to fall in a lopsided fashion.
Al Sharjah immediately turned the tables by halftime, outscoring Zamboanga by 13 in the second canto and entering the break ahead by a couple, 49-47. The Valientes were scoreless in the last 3:52 of the second quarter.
Al Sharjah, for their part, scored 10 straight points after trailing, 39-47.
After a 56-all deadlock in the third quarter, Al Sharjah unleashed another scoring burst, this time a 14-6 run to seize control of the game, 70-62, heading into the final quarter.
Nicholas West overwhelmed Zamboanga as he finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, and one assist in the victory for Al Sharjah.
Dequan Jones backstopped West with 29 markers, six rebounds, and two assists.
Meanwhile, 7-foot-5 big man Samuel Deguara paced Zamboanga in the losing effort with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Mike Tolomia added 14 points, three rebounds, five assists, and a steal.
Forthsky Padrigao and ex-NBA player Adonis Thomas had 13 points each.
Zamboanga aims to bounce back quickly when they face Al Ahli Tri on Sunday night.