RIYADH, 28 December — Firebrand Yamaha Al Dawliah scored double figures and outfought Paradise Catering 95-86 to win the first game of the Riyadh Basketball League tournament held at Al Yamama Hotel, airport road.
Yamaha Al Dawliah managed by Jamal M. Barghouthy and coached by Lito Gutierrez was down 4 points at the end of the first quarter. J. Cosio, the best player of the game, scored five of his 30-point output backed by Manigbas and Alvarez, who scored 6 points each, in the second quarter gaining a two-point lead at the half. The productive E. Dela Cruz of Paradise Catering scored 12 of his 20 points to regain the lead with the help of D. Almario and Abellana. But the trio of Cosio, Aquino and Garcia proved too strong to maintain the three-point lead at the end of the third quarter. The best player of the game J. Cosio has remained consistent scoring twelve points through the fourth quarter and advance the lead to 9 points at the end of the game.
Meanwhile, despite the heorics of J. Magpantay and M. Hernandez of TFC ABS-CBN who scored 41 and 40 respectively the TFC bowed down to Al Munajem, 123-116. Al Munajem, who received enough backings from the bench proved to be consistent in the whole stretch of the game. De los Reyes, the best player of the game scored 30 points while N. Pleno added another 25 points. Basallajes scored 23 points and M. de Lima added 14 points.
Likewise the Metro Star Cargo that dominated opponents in their previous outings bowed down to Transcon Cargo 115-88. Seven of the vengeful Transcon cagers scored double figures and avenged their defeat in their previous meeting. Transcon came out so strong at the start and finished with 20 points lead at the end of the first quarter. Coach Ver Paule capitalized the presence of E. Gomez, Quiambao, Transcon who stretch the lead to 23 points at the half. Gomez has 25-point output in the game, Velasquez poured in 20 points; Z. Paule 16 points and Quiambao added 15 points.
The first conference champion had shown consistency and cohesiveness as a team that would lead us to believe that they remain a force to be reckoned with this season.
Referees: Riyadh Basketball Group (RGB) Mike Babasa (chairman) Marlon Dulin, Nelson Tumaliwan, Felix Cadungog, Eddie Espinosa & Egay Somera.
The 2nd Inter-Company Cup 2001 is organized by the Riyadh Basketball League (RBL) composed of Abdulrahman Rolly Buenafe, Chairman; Waleed Hansie Timbang, President; Vice president - Internal Willy Dula, External Roel Langit; Ariel Bernal Secretary; Treasurer, Ramon Quina; director for Public Affairs Bernardo Dacles; Ed Manansala, director of logistics & peace and security; Noel Guevarra director for technical affair; Arnold Trinidad, director for Utilities; Val Cabrera & Pacho Caliao, technical officers. Tournament commissioner Jojo Luyun, Graphic Artist - Virgilio Salvador; Advisers: Teng Navarro, Egay Gravidez, Antonio Velo Cesar Saavedra & Noli Ritual.
The sponsors are: Pinoy Super Market, Pinoy Bakeshop & Arrha Express Joseph Magdalena; Al-Mohr International Cargo, George Manalansan & Roel Langit, Al-Zagel Cargo, Roque Jorda; Sky Freight Forwarders International, Jimmy Hugo; the pioneer, trusted and reliable cargo forwarders in the Kingdom, Metro Star Cargo, Rommy Ocbena; Riyadh Hamed Albuthi Mohammed Salem Bakhaswain, Mohammad Alyafai, Gulf Necklace Est. for Jewelry. Nesma Internet, Osama Najjar & John Ong. ANB Telemoney, Jamal Alrief.
Meanwhile, the RBL launching the 1st Open Invitational Cup 2002, Inter company bonafide, 5’8" Below and 40 above. The tentative opening date is set for Feb. 8, 2002.
For details, contact Abdulrahman Rolly Buenafe, mobile 053150370, Pgr. 115222852; Waleed Hansie Timbang, mobile: 053237952; Willy Dula & Arnold Trinidad Tel: 477 6213.
