ALKHOBAR, 16 April 2004 — Tropang Rizal completely dominated the erstwhile Group B leaders Al-Garawi-FILA with an impressive 104-93 win in the ongoing OFWC-EP 4th Open Invitational Basketball Tournament at Al-Nahda Sports Complex in Dammam.
Veteran point guard Mon Hernandez was exceptional in his second game with Tropang Rizal pouring a tournament high 43 points. Art Palima effectively controlled the board and Bong Garcia played an inspired game as Tropang Rizal pulled away in the last 3 minutes handing the Elmer Bognot’s team its 1st loss.
In other games, Mazda, Steel Techniques-Saudi Lucy, Saad Falcons, Fluor Arabia and Al-Kuhaimi Metals were all victorious. Mazda was all over Al-Saffar outscoring the Qatif-based quintet for a 87-74 triumph.
In the 3rd game, Steel Techniques-Saudi Lucy was put to test before finally subduing Phuket Restaurant 85-81.
Veteran Visayan playmaker S. Soliano racked up 27 big points on fastbreaks and medium range jumpers as their team barged into the winning column after 2 straight losses. Saad Falcons continued its winning run as they crushed the undermanned RGP Consortium 75-63. Chris Dizon made 18 points while Said Riad and Norly Briones contributed 16 and 15 points respectively to help Saad’s collect it’s 2nd straight wins. Fluor Arabia had its hands full in the 4th quarter as they finally holding Coca Cola quintet with a 72-66 win.
In the Group C1 Division, Al-Wakeel Aluminum eased past the KKFMCC-Kadiwa to a 88-76 victory getting a moral boosting 2nd consecutive win.
The Aluminum makers played a solid game as Glenn Abrantes racked up 19 points to lead 2 other players (Palad and Reyes) scoring in double figures.
The last game between Al-Kuhaimi and SIPCO-Finex saw Al-Kuhaimi besting the paintmakers 90-81. Louie de la Cruz was red hot as he outscored and out-hussled the never-say-die SIPCO-Finex squad pouring in 28 points while Estayo and Bautista pumped in 20 and 17 to pace the winners.
The 4th OFWC-EP Open Invitational Basketball Tournament sponsors are Autostar Alissa Group thru Salah Mukhamsen, Farm Superstore, Kadiwa Mart, Al-Bahar Lucky Me, Chowking Restaurant, Orient Provision and Trading Co., The Filipino Channel ABS-CBN, Hempel Middle East (West), Phuket Restaurant Al-Khobar, Al-Majdouie Group of Companies, Top Grand Central Sports Wear and Wardrobe, Coca Cola Bottling Company of Eastern Province, Black Stallion (Cali).
