YANBU, 5 April — Here we come. That was the befitting catch phrase of the United Yousef Naghi basketball team before trekking all the way from Jeddah to compete in the four-team "Yanbu Clash of the Champions". So they came and they conquered despite the gusty winds hovering the cold dusk before an appreciative crowd at the Al Jazirah beach basketball court in Yanbu.
United Naghi recovered from an early scoring slump and struggled past Dr. Erfan Saipem, 56-48, and claimed the glory. They trailed by as much as twelve points, as a consequence of a shaky start. But the night became a celebration of their rebirth when the foursome Nery Lacuata, Nap Solis, Barry Nader and Roland Centeno found the perfect time to explode. They cut loose with crucial points that overhauled the deficit and took a hairline lead at the half, 27-26.
The second half belonged entirely to United Naghi, as a result of a relentless full court press that ruined Dr. Erfan Saipem’s offensive pattern even as Timbang, Besario and Dolente had a field day slicing the middle time and again for twinners. From thereon, Sol Udasan’s charges just bailed out from a searing Dr. Erfan Saipem’s comeback, staved off a bit and went on for the kill. Dr. Erfan Saipem earned the right to face United Naghi via narrow escape from the jaws of defeat over the Desert Fox team.
United Naghi digged out from the pits and buried razor-sharp incisors deep into the heart of LIHG Flyers to score a commanding 75-61 victory and qualified for the much-awaited championship showdown. Sharpest among the United Naghi crew was Roland Centeno, who finished with 15 points, and flaunted a work ethic rarely seen. In one instance, Centeno picked up the offensive rebound and attempted a put back despite some heavy banging underneath.
United Naghi also got big lifts from Nap Solis, who had several steals, and the trio of Aaron Mayo, Art Oliva and Nery Lacuata who controlled the boards without letup. Adjudged most valuable player was Barry Nader for finishing with 19 points for the winning United Naghi team.
The 20-man United Naghi delegation was headed by Roger Rumusud and Mar Marzo, with vice-president Ahmed Sfarjilani and retail & operations GM Jamal Hamuda joining hands in providing a Hafil luxury bus and other logistics for the trip. Other members of the champion team were Arthur Oliva, Aaron Mayo, Rodjing Reyes, Dennis Elmenzo, Rey Bautista, Anthony Sobrepena, Don Sindayen, Edwin Naral, Henry Catolico, Biscayno, Leo Campo and Junjun Cabanban.
Yanbu Basketball Association chairman Edgar Fernandez, vice chairman June Beo and technical affairs director Marvin Manalili would like to thank the Social Services Department of the Royal Commission for their invaluable support toward the success of the event. Other supportive YBA officials include Ads Espere, Joey Natividad, Ariel Baltazar and Arnie Yadao.
An appreciable measure of praise is likewise accorded to Al Yasrah Trading Est., Coca Cola Bottling Company, Snack House and Filipino Restaurant. A group of individual donors who provided the trophies have also a hand in making the event possible including Rizalito Razul, Ike Cataylo and Rolly De Guzman.
YBA chairman Edgar Fernandez also disclosed that the next staging of the YBA-organized Yanbu Invitational Basketball Tournament is all set to start on May 3 (Friday) at the Ibn Sina basketball court. Two divisions, rated and non-rated, each with a maximum of eight teams shall comprise the event.
For additional information, please get in touch with Marvin Manalili (054-391-016), June Beo (321-25-00) and Ads Espere (392-03-52).
