JEDDAH, 17 May — SPS-Kodak Express of Tonton Lobusta and Zakariya Ahmed recorded their first victory of 87-75 at the ongoing 6th Seiko-13th FBA Basketball Independence Cup 2000 at Sheraton Compound Court at the expense of UMEA Warriors mentored by James Roxas and managed by Jamal Abdullah.
It was another setback for the Warriors that had strong lineup like John Gatchalian, Alex Tampi, Joven Batuhan, Nap Solis and Batarao SPS-Kodak coach Michael Cruz more effective handling of the boys paidoff, remarked Rhic Briones, assistant coach.
Spitfire Rey Buhat 28 points led the scoring machine of SPS-Kodak Express, followed by Dindo Garces 26 pts., Norman Huerto 19 pts. and Belarmino 17 points. CITB (Cargo Forwarders) of team manager Resty Mercado surprised the highly-favored NAI-Juffali team of Rene Mactal, Alex Vidal & Boy Corsega when the former prevailed over the latter in an upset victory (74-72).
Giving all what he can in the homestretch, veteran leader of the Jeddah All Stars, Tata Santander failed to overcome the 12 points lead of CITB in the last three minutes of the game. With only 21 seconds left, and with the score tied at 72-72 all, the pass of Batayola to Tata Santander slipped away from his hands which resulted to a turnover and a lucky twinner by Roel Aquino, that catapulted CITB’s first win in the Inter-Commercial (Reinforced) Division.
Coach Edwin Balagtas utilized only six but effective players who all played well (Sunga, Oliva, Guara, Naluz, Ponce and the lucky shooter who converted the winning basket (Roel Aqino). Santander, Arce, Batayola, Vidal, Agustin, Santos, Maceda and Villanueva scored well for Nai-Juffali.
Al Majal Service Master, managed by Ken Bautista prevailed over KFNB-DCN LOG of Noel (Jawo) Atienza in the lopsided game (85-68). The foursome combination of Manguera, Alpajano, Avenido and Bueno was instrumental in their first victory.
Eugenio, Labini, Manzano and Soriano of KFNB-DCN LOG gave all what they can in the game but to no avail. Marhaba Supermarket & Bakery also registered their first win in three outings via the nice coaching ability of Rollie Santos. Southern Can Making Company (SCMC) of Philipp Panell and Rollie Sevandra vowed to the bakers (79-75). Alex Santos top scored for the bakers when he converted 25 points. Simbol, Dumago and Chu also did well. Jaime Ignacio, Rollie Saavedra, Hadlocon, Torio and Tagle played good for SCMC.
In the Friday matches, Dr. Erfan Bagedo Hospital appeared for their second scheduled game with another multi-titled coach Ed Diaz in full battle gear against the Tetra Pak makers led by Jess Belardo and Ronnie Morano.
The dynamic duo of Salcedo and Hassan Aman of the hospital cagers led the demolition squad against the solid and battle tested Tetra Pak cagers and was successful in beating them (90-66).
Salcedo scored 25 points, while Aman made 22 points with important points coming from Vila and Allan. Morales, Bataller Escosura and Almuete paired well for Tetra Pak. Ultra Services, managed by Leng Pahati and Darwin Sia suffered another setback at the hands of BLO Binladen engineered by Lody Celestial (89-65), their second win in the elimination.
The triumvirate of Nabus, Sipat and Banico produced a combined output of 65 points enough to equalize the entire team score of Ultra Services. Bolivar, Campomanes, Sia and Cardano played well for the losers. Hanco Maintenance managed by Brown Douglas, Edgar Ainza and Jun Nieva, posted their second straight victory over the neophyte team (Bgy. Jamjoom ‘96) of Ramon Blanco and Roman Del Rosario. Estrada, Latigo and Delos Reyes were evidently trained and are becoming good shooters in the rainbow territory.
Latigo gave in five successful shots from the rainbow area, Estrada two and Delos Reyes one. Baluarte, Navor, Esquierdo and Reyes top scored for Bgy. Jamjoom ‘96. In the exciting and tight ball game between Jeddah Cable of coach Mahmoud Protacio and Tetra Pak of mentor Jess Belardo, the former won over the latter (88-81).
JCC president Saleh Madhoun congratulated his boys led by Rey Rongavilla who converted 45 points (the highest individual score as of May 9, 2002) in this tournament. Again, Estanislao, Bataller and Almuete scored well for Tetra Pak.
This three month-long tournament is organized by the Filipino Basketball Association (FBA) headed by Gil Manese (president) and Hernan Huerto (VP & commissioner). Other members of the organizing committee are Lito Martin, Brando Hernandez, Lando Santelices, Goody Viajedor & Ben Garcia (anchormen). Al-Hussaini & Co. (Seiko) of Abdul Rahman Al-Hussaini is the principal sponsor of this tournament which is also supported by Al-Rabie Saudi Dairy Co. (PULZ Athletics Drink), Sabil Al-Khair Services & Marketing Co. Ltd. (distributor of Completa Coffee Creamer & Rainbow Milk), Metito Arabia Industries, Sigma Paints, Nivea, Royal Brunei, Giordabo Fashions, Jizan Marad (Panther), Bugshan Est.(Police sunglasses), SkyFreight Forwarders, PNB-RCBC-ANB Telemoney, Kwality Ice Cream, Calson Management Services and Sports World Sportswear.
