The Valenzuela Classic delivered a commanding performance on July 20, 2026, dismantling the Imus Agimat 129-97 in a MPBL showdown at a neutral venue. The lopsided victory showcased Valenzuela's offensive firepower and defensive intensity, as they led from start to finish and never allowed the Agimat to mount a serious challenge.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, Valenzuela imposed its tempo. The Classic shot an efficient 54% from the field and knocked down 14 three-pointers, while forcing 20 turnovers from Imus. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 22 points, and the second half turned into a showcase of Valenzuela's depth. Imus, despite a spirited effort, simply could not keep pace with the relentless scoring of their opponents.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: Valenzuela opened with a 14-2 run, setting the tone. Point guard Jericho Cruz scored 8 points in the first four minutes.
• Runaway Second Quarter: The Classic outscored Imus 38-24 in the second period, with swingman Mark Cardona draining consecutive triples to push the lead past 20.
• Imus Fightback Stalls: The Agimat cut the deficit to 16 early in the third quarter, but a 12-0 Valenzuela response extinguished any hopes of a comeback.

Tactical Story

Valenzuela's game plan revolved around exploiting mismatches in transition. They attacked the paint early, drawing fouls and converting at the line (26/32 FT). Defensively, they employed a full-court press that rattled Imus's ball handlers, leading to 17 fast-break points. The Agimat, meanwhile, relied heavily on isolation plays but shot just 39% from the floor and struggled to contain Valenzuela's pick-and-roll offense.

Standout Players

• Valenzuela Classic: Jericho Cruz posted a double-double of 27 points and 11 assists, while Mark Cardona added 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting. Center John Villanueva contributed 18 points and 14 rebounds.
• Imus Agimat: Forward Arvin Gamboa scored a team-high 31 points, but his effort was isolated. Guard Michael Javier added 19 points and 6 assists but committed 7 turnovers.

Season and Standings Context

The victory solidified Valenzuela's position near the top of the MPBL South standings, improving their record to 14-4. Imus, meanwhile, fell to 7-11, placing them on the fringes of playoff contention. With this win, the Classic also extended their winning streak to five games, establishing themselves as a legitimate title contender. For Imus, the loss highlighted persistent defensive weaknesses that must be addressed if they hope to make a postseason push.