DAMMAM, 25 January — The cellar-dweller PSD Knights posted their first-ever victory in the elimination round by thwarting the more experienced Rahima Academy, 63-46, in the inter-school division of the 2nd Open Basketball Tournament sponsored by the OFW Congress in the Eastern Province.
The sole win gave the PSD Knights, composed of high-school students from the Philippine School in Dammam, a big morale as they avenged its heart-breaking loss to Rahima, 33-39, during their first encounter in November last year played at the Al-Nahda Sports Complex in Dammam.
The small but terrible Dan Guerrero, who was named as the best player of the game, ripped off the defense of Rahima by firing off 19 big points clutching the Knights’ astounding victory at the start of the 4th quarter. Coached by James Castro, the Knights pulled a stretch with equal bombs unleashed by PSD stalwarts Aaron Aves having 13 points, and Dino Pagaduan and Jason Casenas contributing 12 caroms apiece.
The Rahima Academy, who is mentored by Eugene Wright, threatened a comeback in the second half when O. Myers started pumping in his 16 points. However, only two of his teammates could extend support by converting eight point each defusing its short-lived retaliation.
The International Philippine School in Alkhobar (IPSA), continue to dominate this division by clinching its 5th winning streak at the expense of a much taller camp from the Dhahran Academy, 56-52. Ray-Ann Fidel and John Paul Repolona of IPSA scored in double digits eclipsing the efforts shown by Tariq Maqsoud and Ryan Hudson from Dhahran Academy, which is still hanging on to its 2nd niche with three wins and two losses.
In the Men’s division, the Ilocandia Mavericks surprised erstwhile leader ABB-ACEC Lumuz, 93-81, to get a share at the top of Class A category. The two will likely to meet in the championship should the Saudi Ready Mix fail to catch-the-bus in their remaining games.
In Class B, the Skyscrapers ensured its ticket to the semifinals by routing PSME/Baseelah, 91-77. This was coupled by an upset made by The Filipino Cuisine at the hands of the Surigaonons, 85-83. The Skycrapers and Surigaonons registered 5-1 win-loss card while the Filipino Cuisine has 4-2 slate together with the Novo Ecijanos and the Riple "J".
Hempel Paints never lost a breath to mark its 6th victory as they lead the standing in Class C division. Hempel demolished SIF Desert Fox, 105-98. The Cagayan Blazers did not waste as well any single chance when they crushed down the General Dynamics, 82-56. Both Hempel and Cagayan are in contention for the championship round. The benevolent sponsors of this tournament are Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Filipino Channel, Muhammad Al-Dossary Hospital, al-Majdouie Heavy Lift Transport & Engineering, Continental Freight Services, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Abu Abdulaziz Laboratory and Studio, McDonald’s, and Asia Restaurant.
Tournament director Rey Baracca supervises the whole tournament. His team includes assistant tournament directors Boy delos Santos, Jhun Garcia, Raul Gonzales, Manny Llanes, and Noli Tupas. The technical committee is headed by Tony Mampusti with members Francis Gascon, Edgar Bauyon, and Jun Castro.
Supporting the group is the OFW Congress in the Eastern Province led by its chairman Joe Avancena. Members of the organizing committee also include Ruben Ramos for management, Romy Novelles for finance, Mary Jane Tupas for medical, Faizal Sarque for external affairs, Isabel Hugo for security, Rolly Tuzara for food, and Peter Panganiban as facilitator.
