Antonio Hester gives Zamboanga a win before joining Magnolia

ANTONIO Hester gave Zamboanga Valientes a parting gift, leading the charge in their 84-80 win over Bangkok Tigers in the 2023 Asean Basketball League Invitational at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

Hester had 36 points and 13 rebounds as the Valientes stayed unbeaten in the third circuit of the invitational tournament.

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Overall, Zamboanga is now at .500 with an even 5-5 win-loss record in this stint that also saw two-time NBA champion Mario Chalmers reinforcing the squad.

Hester played his final game with the Valientes for this invitational tournament as he is set to join Magnolia, although the team has yet to formalize the import change. SPIN.ph has learned, however, that Hester has been released and is on his way to Manila to join the Hotshots.

An artcard posted by the ballclub also had the team wishing him the best in his next stint, and looking forward to seeing him play alongside Magnolia guard Mark Barroca, who is a Zamboangueno.

The Valientes will battle Hong Kong Eastern on Tuesday night.