JEDDAH, 16 April 2004 — Hanco, Close Up, Marriott-Seiko, Citroen & Marriott-Seiko won convincingly in the ongoing 10th Seiko-18th FBA Basketball Tournament at Ittihad Sports Club in Jeddah.
Hanco Maintenance of Douglas Brown & Edagr Ainza emerged victorious at the expense of SARCO (Saudi Archiridron) team of Willie Corpuz in a lopsided match (90-73). Estrada, Alipio, Dafour, Nolasco and Ainza were instrumental in their team’s victory. Leo Rivera’s strong Unilever (Close Up) team clobbered Wartsila Lions of Coach Noel Atienza (85-69).
Outstanding players for Close Up were Manguerra, Buhat, Quizon and Villegas while Fabian, Arce and Martin did well for Wartsila Lions. King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital (Citroen) led by Ric Aguinaldo and Arlene Sallador defeated Westin Jeddah spearheaded by veteran cager John Gatchalian by just a small margin in a very thrilling game (88-84). Westin Jeddah were ahead (45-36). Sierra, Pinlac and Milan topscored for Citroen. Marriott-Seiko pioneered by Bebot Estebar won convincingly over ALJ Rehab (87-65) mainly due to the absence of Edwin Gadingan who played in another tournament.
The duo of Leal and Dula-ogon contributed good points for their team. Jhong Rapada, Omeng Sahagun and Leo Almoite posted their second successive victory over their bitter rivals Titan team piloted by Juanito Magalang (84-82).
Meanwhile, Commissioner Lito Martin announced the resumption of the three points shootout starting this week. Prospective participants may register with Lito Martin at 6636936 Ext. 302. Last week lucky spectator Marcelino Paiton of National Refrigeration won a 14” Samsung Colored TV set that was awarded by Essam Abbas of United Matbouli Group (UMG).
FBA prexy Gil Manese asked all Jeddah rated players to register for a try-out in preparation for the forthcoming basketball event between Dammam and Jeddah, which is now under negotiation, by both parties.
The tentative date is June 3 & 4.
