RIYADH, 24 January 2003 — Constantino scored 16 points to lead the KKIA Jets to victory over the Manila Plaza team and even the best-of-three final round series 1-1, of the Filipino Basketball League (FBL) 3rd conference held at the Eight Contracting Compound, Exit 12. Four of the 10-man KKIA Jets scored double figures and executed exceptional offensive capability to edge Manila Plaza by 2 points, 29-31 at the half.
Manila Plaza went scoreless in the first five minutes of the game. Natanauan, Palmero and Villatema sank back-to-back baskets to tie at 18 all early in the second quarter. Aguinaldo, Fernandez and Abasolo were the main factor in the low post defense while Constantino and Rollan were the offense architects. KKIA Jets determined to extend the series to game 3, never looked back and led 15 points over Manila Plaza at the end of regulation.
In the other game of the day, Taipan sports team were assured of the third place in the league after trouncing the Salman alligators 94-82.
Funtanilla and Santos lead Taipan by scoring 36 and 20 points respectively. Parangalan, Brizuela and Tumambing also lead the Salman alligators by a combined 57 points but the offense suffered a big setback as Taipan won by 12 points at the end of the game. The FBL 3rd conference was organized under the Chairmanship of Emil Rentar; Members are Sammy Zid, Melvin Rentar, and Anthony Ruayana; Egay Somera, tournament commissioner.
Scores:
KKIA Jets (73) Constantino 16, Aguinaldo 14, Rollan 12, Abasolo 12, Fernandez 9, Duque 6, Pakay 2, Tamayo 2, Manila Plaza ( 58) Palmero 20, Zabala 14, Villatema 8, Badawi 7, Natanauan 7, Sison 2.
Taipan sports (94) Funtanilla 36, Santos 20, Fernandez 10, Madueno 9, Nanud 8, Tabur 6, Pestolante 3. Salman Alligator (82) Parangalan 28, Brizuela 16, Tumambing 13, Gonzales 8, Fiestas 7, Ibanez 6, Trivilegio 2, Cimafranca 2. Referees: Robert Pineda, Greg Vasquez, Nes Carlos, Ernie dela Cruz. — Esmail Dacles. (Esmail Dacles)
