Concepcion, Valientes strike again in Aussie 3x3

MANILA, Philippines — Chris “Peng” Concepcion shone again as MLV Accounting, composed of the Zamboanga Valientes, ruled the Champions League Basketball 3x3 Portland Opens at Youth Activity Space in Portland City, Australia.

The cult hero of Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City led the depleted Valientes past familiar rival Clippers, 18-11, in the final of the one-day event.

It was the third straight triumph for the Valientes in Australia 3x3 as they also ruled the 3x3 Christmas Street Hustle in Canberra and the CLB 3x3 in Bendigo, where they also beat the Clippers for the title on Jan. 9.

The 5-foot-8 Concepcion, Eric Miraflores, and 6-10 Sudanese-Australian Duom Dawan had to play without relief starting the semifinals as 6-6 teen prospect Adam Kempton was unavailable, forcing Zamboanga Valientes co-owner and coach Junie Navarro to sub sometimes in the preliminary stage.

Shrugging off fatigue, the Valientes repulsed the Fades for the Babes, 15-13, in the semis.