RIYADH, 20 December 2002 — Herrera scored 20 points, made 2 assists and had 3 steals to lead Manila Plaza team in beating Al Khaleej team 76-61 to reach the semifinal round of the Filipino Basketball League (FBL) 3rd conference open invitational tournament held at the Eight Contracting Compound here.
Herrera was backed by D. Natanauan and E. Canu who scored 17 and 15 points respectively. Magdaleno of Khaleej team topscored the line up 18 points and backed by Surio who had 13 points and Calubaquib who added 9 points.
Al Khaleej took an early advantage of three points at the end of the first quarter finishing 17 points against 14 of Manila Plaza. Coach Trambulo made some offensive adjustment on the second quarter for Manila Plaza and gain
four point lead 30- 26 at the half. Manila Plaza advanced the lead to seven, 45-38 and win 76-61 at the end of the game as Khaleej’s offensive capability suffered major setback.
In the other game of the day Salman Aligators humbled Fesscor team 80-76 giving the third spot of the semi-final clenchers along with Taipan Sports ,who got the second spot after beating PSME 99-69 and Manila plaza. Fesscor and KKIA jets who both have 2 wins and 1 loss will meet in a knock out game for the right to the fourth spot of the semi-final crossover.
Scores: Manila Plaza (76) Herrera 20, Natanauan 17, Cano 15, Dela Cruz 8, Parungao 8, Suha 2. Al Khaleej (61) Magdaleno 18, Surio 13, Calubaquib 9, Moros 6, Velano 6, Cabbadu 4, Pendon 3, Rufo 2. Salman Aligators (80) Tumambing 24, Brizuela 16, Galang 12, Fiestas 8, Parangalan 7, Liwanagan 3, Cimafranca 2, Ibanez 2, Avanzado 2. FESSCOR (76) Manigbas 27, Polis 15, Mercoleza 15, Fernandez 15, Sarmiento 4 . Taipan Sports (99) Soriano 28, Funtanilla 15, Nahil 12, Madueno 11, Santos 11, Bansil 6, Fernandez 6, Pistolante 4, Leodigario 4, Nanud 2. PSME (69) Morales 22, Palce 13, Layson 13, Gadiano 10, Agura 4, Caliwag 4, Monteron 3.
Team standing: Manila Plaza 4 wins-0 loss, Taipan sports 4 wins, 0 loss; Salman Aligators 3 wins, 1 loss, KKIA Jets 2 wins, 1 loss, FESSCOR 2 wins, 0 loss: Dunkin Donuts 1 win, 3 loss, Al Khaleej 0 win, 4 losses, PSME 0 win, 4 losses. (Ismael Dacles)
