MANILA, Philippines — Zamboanga Valientes couldn’t catch a break as they lost steam anew after a strong start and fell to Al Ahly Tripoli, 107-84, in the Dubai International Basketball Championship 2025 on Monday (Manila time) at Al Nasr Club.

The Filipino club failed to sustain its 17-point first-half lead as Al Ahly Tripoli surged in the last two quarters with Mohamed Sadi and Wuat Alok leading the charge with 25 and 24 points, respectively.

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SCHEDULE: Strong Group, Valientes at Dubai Basketball Championship 2025

Zamboanga kept the Libyan club within striking distance, 86-80 after Adonis Thomas hit a much-needed try with six minutes to go but Sadi and Alok restored the order and ended the game with a 21-4 run.

Naseim Badrush was also instrumental for Al Ahly with 19 points and eight assists. Deng Angok Yak sparked the bench with 17 points and five rebounds, while Pierre Jackson added 11 points and five assists.

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Just like in their 97-82 loss to Al Sharjah where they blew a 15-point lead in the first quarter, the Valientes led early in the second quarter, 36-19, before Al Ahly stole the momentum.

READ: Strong Group improves to 2-0, Valientes fall in Dubai debut

Zamboanga fell to a 0-2 record with Sam Deguara leading the charge of the Filipinos with 25 points and eight rebounds.

Thomas finished with 24 points from four triples on top of four rebounds and three assists, while Nic Cabañero was the lone local to score in double digits with 14 points off the bench.

The Valientes hope to turn things around against Sagesse Sports Club set on Wednesday, while the unbeaten Strong Group Athletics battles Beirut First early Tuesday.