RIYADH, 21 May 2004 — Kudu and the Security Forces Hospital teams whipped their rivals to strengthen their position, while Arabian Homes need to improve to stay in fray in the Jeraisy Group Inter-Company (Bonafide) Basketball Tournament at the Jeraisy Staff Compound Basketball Court, Exit 7 Riyadh.

Arabian Homes led in the first three quarters through the combined efforts of Geo Cajote, Ding Sotelo, Alfredo Granaderos, Carlo Guerrero and Rhonwen Hodges, who was sidelined by injury during the first half. The entry of Kudu's tenderfoot cager Jaime Olivas during the last few mi­nutes of the third canto saw him hit a triple basket as Kudu cut the lead.

Then Kudu's Orly Casimero, Wawi Din and Totie Noble defended well as Jerry Sason hit back-to-back baskets. Allain Catalan and Haten Jackson continued their scoring spree, and Rodel Manalo's tight defense along with Rey Sillo's rebounds sparkled for Kudu, who hit 35 points against Arabian Homes' 8. Kudu won 94-73.

The match between the Security Forces Hospital and Al Arabi D'cor teams of Joema Catalan, saw the latter stay close to the Hospital team in the first quarter. Oliver Pring punched 26 points and 20 rebounds, Jordan Tan hit 14 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks, Sherwin scored 13 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and were supported by Floro Delgado and Gary Gomez.

D'cor team coached by Jerry Noga featured top-scorers Darwin Cunanan with 23 points, 15 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists, Eugene Zapata with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals, Randy David with 12 points and 5 rebounds, Raymond Tulod with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals; and Louie Pascual with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists. SFHP team won 78-75.

The Jarir Warriors of Mutaz Maroun and Johnny Castillo bagged their second win at the expense of the Jeraisy team, 72-64. Rodel Realica, Bobby Cortez, Owen Del Rosario, Godie Carabido, Ronnie Lavadia and Omar Tamano led Jarir.

Rino "Paras" Tolentino's outstanding stat (15 rebounds, 16 blocks and 5 steals) was in vain. Earlier, Chris Sanchez chipped in with 20 points and Samer Al-Qaissi with 13 for Actimel in their encounter with Arabian Homes where the latter took control of the ballgame.

Geo Cajote, Alfred Granaderos, Rhonwen Hodges and Ding Sotelo lifted Arabian Homes to victory, 88-61.

Sponsors of this tournament are Steelcase Jeraisy, Ltd., Kruathai Restaurant and Philippine Airlines.