AI-KHAFJI, 27 June 2003 — Basketball aficionados in Ras Al-Khafji Eastern Province are currently holding their 1st Invitational Tournament at Ennizi Basketball Court as participated in by Selected Teams comprising the private and prime contractors of Kuwait Joint Operations, Saudi Aramco Al-Khafji.
Principal organizers are the Arabian Construction and Maintenance Co. Ltd. (ACMC) headed by Rod Pineda and Esmi Cerdon, and General Arabian Medical and Allied Services (GAMA) headed by Rod Maldisa and Lito Fabula.
Abdullah Twereet, GAMA Hospital administrator gave the inspirational message and was accompanied to the opening by Martin Tomas, nursing supervisor. Martin was introduced by Paul Del Rosario, GAMA overall sports committee chairman. Highlights of the opening day was the awarding of the trophy to ACMC for bagging the “Best in Uniform” award.
Climax of the inaugural day was the early confrontation of the organizers, ACMC “Engineers” versus GAMA D’Bachelors. The slippery Arnel De Jesus of GAMA sparked the early lead at 12-1, contributing 9 points through his court-to-court penetration. ACMC’s Roger Monis, Arvin Francisco, Obet Morales, Lito Orro and Raul Oropilla failed to contain GAMA’s 30-point lead going to the final minute, succumbing at 93-48. Arvin topscored with 24, and is one of the candidates for the MVP Award.
The other tie resulted to a tight game between SkyFreight Forwarders and SCCD Dental.
“It’s a sorry miss, Rodriguez attempt failed to level the score at 52 with 6 ticks to go,” Coach Raul Marquez of SCCD Dental exclaimed. SkyFreight’s Captain Jovy Penafiel found the stamina to lead his team to a well deserved victory, pipping SCCD Dental 52-50.
GAMA Couple registered their first win at the expense of Khafji Cagers. Regie Lanuza, Okasha Abdulla and Sam Naviamos produced a combined output of 34 out of the final score of 62 against the 56 by Khafji Cagers, to boost their chances for a semifinal slots. Half time score was 25-all. Scores were deadlock 7 times through the effort of Bong Flores, Tom Bulan and Lando Cunado of Khafji Cagers. They faltered in the last 4 minutes of the second half, missing most of the charity shots.
Trophies are to be donated by United Express, Makati Express Door to Door Service, Al Thana Pharma, MSD Pharma, Bert Cruz of KJO Material Department and Abdulaziz Obaidan, chairman — KJO Basketball Club. Table Officials were Edward Romulo, Ted Geniza, Ermi Cerdon, Lito Fabula and Rod Maldisa. Rod Pineda heads the Technical Committee. Official Referees were Danny De Leon, Tony Esto and Jess Pamintuan.
