The best game turned out to be saved for last as the Singapore Slingers and Zamboanga
Valientes entertained the OCBC Arena crowd one last time. The home team fans ended up in
disappointment however, as the Valientes completed a 26-point swing to win 87-79.
The Slingers started the game strongly with the play of both CJ Gettys (19 points, 14 rebounds)
and Kentrell Barkley (29 points, 11 rebounds, 5 steals). Their hustle on the glass (23 offensive
boards) resulted in 31 second chance points and helped them build up a lead of as much as 11
points in the first half.
However, Zamboanga Valientes were just a different team coming out of the halftime break,
quickly reversing the score, and building a double-digit lead of their own as early as the third
quarter. They’d continue to hold the lead all the way to the end of the game.
Antonio Hester wrapped up an impressive start to his 2023 ABL Invitational campaign with 28
points on 11-15 shooting, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in the massive win for the ABL
rookie squad. ABL veteran Rudy Lingganay was also instrumental to the victory with 14 points, 3
rebounds, and 3 assists.
The 2023 ABL Invitational now concludes the first circuit in Singapore as Hong Kong Eastern and
Saigon heat lead all teams with 4-0 records. NS Matrix Malaysia, Singapore Slingers, and
Zamboanga Valientes are close behind, splitting their wins and losses for 2-2 records. Louvre
Surabaya and Macau Black Bears both come away with 1 win and 3 losses, while Cooly Bangkok
Tigers are the only team left winless to start the season.