JEDDAH, 25 October — Black Top- Ed Diaz & company beat Nandos Restaurant 76-65 in two consecutive games to secure the championship crown of the Open non-rated division.
Black Top-Ed Diaz & Company showed toughness in the final 3 minutes of the last quarter. Coach Ed Diaz masterfully planned the game with MVP Jason Villanueva firing 3 consecutive triples and Best Center Pat Cecilio dominating the shaded area. Nandos missed their important jumpers in the dying seconds.
Black Top-Ed Diaz & Company supporters already celebrated in the sidelines when the Nandos Restaurant started to feel the pressure and committed back-to-back turnovers. Cecilio and Villanueva chipped in 35 and 17 points respectably for the Black Top-Ed Diaz & Company while Inage and Dolloso scored 11 points a piece for Nandos Restaurant.
The awardees are Black Top-Ed Diaz & Company: Champion, Nandos Restaurant: 1st runner-up, Zuhair Fayez Partnership: 2nd runner up and Ultra Services: 3rd runner-up.
The elite mythical five are Richard Punzalan (Ultra Services) and Jason Villanueva (Black Top) — best guards, Marlou Reyes (Zuhair Fayes partnership) and Hector Alcala (Nandos Restaurant) — Best Forwards and Pat Cecilio (Black Top) — Best Center while Ed Diaz (Black Top) is the Best Coach and Sportsmanship award goes to Jologs basketball team.
Jason Villanueva was adjusted as the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
This tournament is sponsored by Freshlook (Fahhad Kassis), Reebok Shoes, Arab News, Giordano Fashions (MAK Jeelani & Ahmadullah), Coca Cola Bottling Company and Al Haddaf Sports Wear (Muhammad Bayoumi). Meanwhile, Jeddah Basketball League (JBL) will hold the 2002 year ender Inter-Commercial & Inter-Company basketball tournament right after Ramadan. Inter-Company division will be divided into two categories Weak & Strong while the open non-rated will be a reinforced open non-rated.
Two rated B players will be allowed to play in each team. Games will be played every Thursday and Friday. Preparation for the 2nd conference JBL Friday morning league is going on. The league is formatted to accommodate 7 teams and will be based on first come first in basis. All interested team participants can contact the following tournament organizers Muhammad Rasheed Suyat (053611016-Mobile), Joe dela Cerna (056679322-Mobile) or Muhammad Bayoumi (665-0086).
The scores: Black Top-Ed Diaz & Company 76 — Cecilio 35, Villanueva 17, Nang 6, Mejia 6, Estrada 3, Llanos 2, Buhay 2, Peredo 2, Carreon 2, Garcena 1. Nandos Restaurant 65 — Inage 11, Doloso 11, Quemada 9, Alcala 9, Adriano 9, Balmorez 8, Navor 6, Simbiray 2.
