JEDDAH, 19 April — UPC escaped a near defeat at the hands of Saudi Diyar Consultants 65-62 in Seiko-JBLIC year 2002 basketball tournament being played at COCG basketball court in Industrial City State phase 1.
Scores kept changing sides during the whole game, with only 8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Saudi Diyar had the chance to tie the scores but they committed an error which allowed UPC to gain their 4th straight victory and a possible ticket to the semifinal series. Diaz was top scorer with 13 points for UPC while Tipon and Manila scored 21 and 18 points respectively for Saudi Diyar Consultants.
In the next game, United Carton defeated Arifco 75-70. It was a do-or-die match for Arifco, both teams showed a lot of intensity in the game. United Carton with Goc-ong continued to dominate the shaded area with his strong inside plays and defensive savvy. Arifco tried to stay in the contention with Agustin pouring all his energy in the final quarter to keep their hopes alive. Veneracion and Goc-ong scored 20 and 18 points respectively for the United Carton while Agustin top score with 38 big points for Arifco.
In the other game, Basahm Goody beat Jedac 90-85. Jedac almost upset the highly favorite Basahm Goody in this game. With 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Jedac ahead by 8 points, Basahm Goody applied a man-to-man defense. Jedac tried to contain the pressure defense but a passing error and some missing shots in the end game handed Basahm Goody their third victory in fourth outings. Rongavilla top scorer with 25 points for Basahm Goody while Abbas scored 20 points for Jedac.
In Thursday’s game, Arifco defeated Seiko-Butler 60-51. Arifco dominated Seiko-Butler throughout the game. Seiko-Butler showed some resistance but missed the important jumpers in the dying seconds. Arifco gallantly converted the free throws when Seiko-Butler applied the quick foul to stop the clock. Agustin and Mausisa scored 19 and 17 points respectively for Arifco while Arce remained top scorer with 16 points for Seiko-Butler.
In the next game, KIA Motors registered their fourth straight victory against CPMC 75-47. Undermanned CPMC managed to control game the end of second second quarter. In the resumption of the third quarter, KIA Motors applied the gas and a quick 10-0 blast overtake the score and took the control of the game. CPMC tried to keep their game alive but lost their steam due to lack of manpower. Tancio top scorer with 25 points for KIA Motors while Alimurong scored 17 points for CPMC.
This tournament is principally sponsored by SEIKO Al Hussaini & Company courtesy of Abdulrahman Al Husseini, Hussam Salahi and Mohammad Ali Taleb. Other companies supporting the tournament are Sigma Paints (Dannie Quaimbao), Royal Brunie (Yousuf Ali Javeed), Alhamrani-Fuchs Petroleum Saudi Arabia (Sulaiman Al Hulayil), Giordano Fashions (MAK Jeelani and Ahmadullah), Al Haddaf Sportswear (Mohammad Bayoumi), Fal - Lorenzo Cargo (Oscar Lorenzo), and Coop. Office for Call and Guidance (COCG).
