RIYADH, 29 August 2003 — The Pizza Hut team of Coach Jojo Ben and Arnel Ardamoy’s Zahran squad overcame the host team and the Dunkin Donuts boys respectively to strengthen their position in Jeraisy Group of Companies Inter-Company (Bonafide) Basketball Tournament being held at the Jeraisy Staff Compound Basketball Court here.
Hoping for a first win in the semifinal round, the Jeraisy Group took a 7 points lead against Pizza Hut in the first canto.
Michael “Flying MT” Tamayo led Jeraisy with Cruz Placencia supporting him with four triples. Allan Villaver too found his touch.
But the host team’s delight was short-lived as Joseph Abasolo gave the Pizza Hut, which led by a point at the half, the much-needed heat. single point advantage at the end of first half.
Dave Mallari, Joseph Abasolo, Xandrix Babao, Ruel Tugade, Arthur Gabon and Ronald Naperi all came up with the goods to help Pizza Hut win 73-70. The Zahran team, hoping to a avoid a repeat of its losing last outing, were indebted to Jess Ritualo, Benjie Enriquez, Anton Castaloni, and Choie Urdaneza - all combing for 78 points.
Though Ronald Solis, Bebe San Diego, Vincent Estrada, and Dick Policarpio carried the load for Dunkin Donuts, they could not ward off defeat. The Donutmakers held the upper hand in the first half, 47-41.
But Jess Ritualo and Benjie Enriquez turned it around in the 3rd canto with a 31-16 run that guaranteed a 16-point margin, 95-79, victory for Zahran.
This league is closely coordinated by Riad Siblini, Ed Tamayo, Larry Gabuni, Ernie Dela Cruz, and being officiated by the FCBR Referees while Chito Solis served as the anchorman.
Powerhorse Energy Drink through the support of Ahmad Al-Haroun - country manager and Dick Jacinto - sports coordinator, is the major sponsor.
Steelcase Jeraisy, Ltd. management and staff, Krua-Thai Restaurant through Jeff Berdon and Ferdie Frilles, Pinoy Supermarket of Joseph Magdalena, Kudu Company, Pizza Hut, are also supporting the league.
