John Amores stars as Zamboanga Valientes rout Louvre Surabaya in ABL opener

John Amores was triumphant in his return to the hardcourt since his infamous punching incident last November, guiding the Zamboanga Valientes to a 108-94 opening win against Louvre Surabaya in the 2023 ABL Invitational at the OCBC Arena in Singapore. 

The former JRU cager listed 16 points in the victory while also racking up five rebounds and two steals. He connived with former Terrafirma import Antonio Hester who poured in 35 markers, including 16 in the fourth, alongside 11 boards, four steals, and three dimes in their comeback victory. 

Zamboanga was staring at a 9-point deficit heading into the fourth but thanks to Hester, they turned things around late to seal the deal. 

Louvre's Marcus Hammonds paced the team with 32 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

Zamboanga currently leads the team standings alongside Hong Kong Eastern, Singapore Slingers, and Saigon Heat, which the Philippine team will next face on Friday at 6 p.m.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News