This hard-fought win marks the beginning of the sixth season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
Orin Catacutan's clutch three-pointer in the dying seconds of regulation provided a glimmer of hope for Valenzuela, forcing the game into overtime. However, Zamboanga swiftly regained their offensive momentum in the extended period, securing the first win of the sixth season of the regional league.
Leading the charge for Zamboanga was the formidable Jaycee Marcelino, whose stellar performance proved pivotal in securing the hard-fought victory.
Marcelino, a former MVP, delivered a standout performance with a team-high 26 points, displaying remarkable accuracy with 12-of-21 shooting from the field. His contributions, coupled with eight rebounds and a steal, underscored his crucial role in Zamboanga's triumph.
Rey Publico also made significant contributions to Zamboanga's victory, tallying 10 points with impeccable shooting efficiency inside the three-point arc. His all-around performance, featuring three rebounds, one assist, one block, and two steals, bolstered Zamboanga's efforts on both ends of the court.
On the opposing side, Dennis Santos led the charge for Valenzuela with an impressive display of skill, amassing 24 points, two rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. Despite their spirited performance, Valenzuela fell short in their season opener against a resilient Zamboanga squad.
With this thrilling victory, Zamboanga sets the stage for an exciting season ahead as they aim to finally clinch the championship title after previous near misses. Their resilience and determination in overcoming Valenzuela's challenge signal a promising start to their campaign in the 2024 MPBL Season.
WATCH: Valenzuela vs. Zamboanga Game Highlights
The Scores:
Zamboanga 82 - JC Marcelino 26, Publico 10, Santos 8, Terso 8, Subido 8, Gabayni 7, JV Marcelino 6, Alas 4, Barcuma 3, Omega 2, Solis 0, Mahari 0, Ignacio 0, Celestino 0, Nayve 0.
Valenzuela 76 - Santos 24, Catacutan 12, Chauca 11, Macion 8, Diego 6, Dela Cruz 5, Gotladera 4, Armenion 4, Payawal 2, Mohammad 0, Martin 0, Velasco 0, De Chavez 0, Lepalam 0, Delos Santos 0.