RIYADH, 7 May 2004 — Cyrus Ruiz spearheaded the Zahran Company team to beat strong contender McDonald’s (75-68) in the Jeraisy Group Inter-Company (Bonafide) Basketball Tournament at the Jeraisy Staff Compound Basketball Court, Exit 7 Riyadh.
Coach Orly Casimero's Kudu Company team blotted the Security Forces Hospital team's clean run with a 79-67 win.
The first quarter saw the McDonald’s squad in the driver's seat, 14-11 but the Zahran boyz soon tied it at 28 all at the close of second canto.
Benjie Enriquez, Cyrus Ruiz, Anton Castaloni, Arnel Ardamoy and Choie Ordaneza's 70 combined points paved the way for Zahran to win by 7 points. The untiring efforts of the McDonald’s cagers, led by Jeff Baybay, Orlie Alcantara, Motmot Semilla, William Octubre and Mike Lim, was not enough to save the team’s no-loss record.
Kudu added another feather to their cap at the expense of the Security Forces Hospital team. Ador Aguinaldo, Allain Catalan, Aries Sarmiento, Rodel Manalo and Pandoy Rodejo opened the door for Kudu to forge a 20-point advantage during the 3rd canto. Rey Sillo, Haten Jackson and Rolly Roma provided their expertise in defense while Sherwin Manalo, Zernan Salampong, Oliver Pring, Dennis Gana (sidelined by injury at the close of first half) and playing Coach Jordan Tan's hard work were in vain.
Julius Santiago, Rodel Dungan, Mohd Yousuf, Ramon Cano and Chris Castillo led Samama Company team to their second win via a 94-82 win over Actimel (Al-Safi) team. Chris Sanchez, Roy Delos Santos, Samer Al-Qaissi, Henry Dumalaon and Edward Pingol led their opponents during the first three quarters but their defense collapsed during the final canto as two of their key players fouled out. Chris Sanchez and Samer Al-Qaissi led the stat records for the Actimel team.
The league is closely coordinated by Riad Siblini, Ed Tamayo, Arnel Divinagracia, Alvin Mendoza, Ernie Dela Cruz, Rollie Caisip, Glen Miranda, Sherwin Villanueva, Rene Macabasag, Arnel Fontanares, Zaldy Miranda, Wendel Didulo, Rolly Masangkay, Elvhin Noceto, Neo Lagata, and being officiated by the FCBR Referees (Joel Borre, Julius Caringal, Pumar Quillo, Edmar Buena, Art Cobalida, Rodel Bulaon, Nestor Carlos, and Robert Pineda) with Henjie Espena serving as the anchorman.
Sponsors of this tournament are Steelcase Jeraisy, Ltd. management and staff, Krua-Thai Restaurant through Jeff Berdon and Philippine Airlines through Jun Ordillano.
