MANILA -- Former San Miguel and Terrafirma big man Vic Manuel made a triumphant debut with the Zamboanga Valientes on Monday.
Manuel, a two-time PBA champion with the Beermen, finished with 11 points in his first game since not renewing his contract with the Dyip, helping the Valientes drub College of Saint Benilde, 95-91, in the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament.
The 37-year-old veteran acknowledged the need to step up and be an example for the younger players.
READ: PBA: In San Miguel, Vic Manuel seeks elusive championship
“Kailangan as a veteran, kailangan i-lead natin ‘yung mga young players namin. So ‘yun, kailangan mag-step up din kami kahit veterans na kami. Nagtulong-tulong kami, especially sa defense namin kaya nakuha namin ‘yung panalo ngayon,” said Manuel.
READ: PBA: SMB's Manuel admits: Kailangan naming magstep up dahil wala si June Mar
Italian-Maltese Sam Deguara popped off with a game-high 20-point outing to lead the Zamboanga offense, while Zamboangueño guard Mike Tolomia contributed 15 markers. Former UAAP MVP Malick Diouf and 5-foot-10 winger Claude Camit added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
"It was a well-deserved win against a formidable young team. I’m incredibly proud of how the team handled the adversity, especially in the fourth quarter. This is what Zamboanga Valientes basketball is all about," said team owner Junnie Navarro.
The Benilde side tried to return into the game, unleashing a massive 22-6 run late in the game, but it wasn't enough as the Deguara-led team held off the young team en route to the win.