MANILA — The Zamboanga Valientes dominated the Macau Black Bears to rule The Asian Tournament.

Former NBA star Demarcus Cousins led Zamboanga to an 81-65 victory over Macau in the championship bout, with the former Sacramento Kings big tallying 21 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists on Saturday on their home floor. 

Also standing out was Rickey Brice who was named as Finals MVP as he delivered 25 markers, 10 boards, and two blocks.

"I'm very, very proud! Thank God, first of all. We had lots of ups and downs from the first leg 'til here, but we stuck together. We believed in one another, and this is the success now," said Zamboanga head coach Bobidick Delos Santos after the game.

"This is life-changing. This is something that I'd remember for the rest of my life. I'm home. I said, when we go to Zamboanga, we're gonna go five-and-zero, and we're gonna win every single game and show the city what we're supposed to do," added Brice.

Damian Chong Qui led Macau with 24 points and seven assists, Mohamed Kone and Tyrone Nesby IV added 19 and 16, respectively, and these were vital for the Black Bears to create a 39-29 advantage in the first half.

However, Cousins and Brice took charge later on and cut the lead to two, 41-39, at halftime, and the duo continued with their onslaught in the final two periods and even went on to create an 81-61 lead after a Demarcus jam late in the contest. 

Also contributing for the Valientes were Mike Tolomia who had 11 points and four assists, and Franky Johnson who posted 13.

Zamboanga won all of their three games ahead of the semifinals, and they took care of business against the Naic Aces in the semis to book a spot in the Finals.