RIYADH, 27 December 2005 — The game between Kapatiran and Grandian was the most thrilling encounter in the Arab News Cup. The match witnessed some decisive passes and frequent baskets during the game, which ended in Kapatiran’s favor 86-81. But the most exciting news was the Marawian’s record 128-70 win over Desert Lion.
The tournament, which has been closely supervised by MBLR’s tournament director Omar Mapandi and Secretary-General Usodan Dida-Agun and committee members, has seen a huge crowd every Friday since its start three weeks ago.
After tying in the first and second quarters, Kapatiran surged ahead by making 16 points against Grandian, which remained scoreless in the first four minutes.
With minutes remaining, the game was undecided until Grandian squandered several three-pointers in the last quarter.
“I think we were unlucky today considering we got only one three-point basket out of 20 attempts, while Kapatiran got five triples,” said Grandian coach Kadafy Minalang.
“We changed our strategy in the third quarter to limit the penetration of Grandian into the perimeter area as well as their fast-break setup,” said Kapatiran coach Ahmad Jorge.
Imran Fagaura played the whole game and finished with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, while Musimar Ubaran added 21 points and Darius Cac fired 15 points, 9 rebounds, and one block. Grandian guard Pario finished with 23 points, Bani scored 19 points and Mexican Abdulmalik added 9 points. Grandian are going to play the defending champions Islam Today, erstwhile known as Extra, on Dec. 30, which promises to be a formidable challenge.
In the second game, Pangampong of Lanao finally showed their talent with several dunks from Allan Kotongan and Mansawe. Team point-guard Boyet Mangontara confidently connecting his three-point long-shot during their encounter against PNB. Winning 116-50, Pangampong regained some pride after suffering a heavy defeat in their first game. PNB, on the other hand, played very well but failed to control the speed of their opponents which resulted in an easy baskets headed by the top-scorer Mangontara who dazzled the crowd with a game-high 41 points, 3 triples, nine rebounds, and four assists. Brother Jamil Mangontara added 20 points while veteran Bogie Dibaratun, the left-handed tough defensive player, easily scored 14 points. Akel Musor finished with 12 points in his fast-break drive.
The third game between the top-scorer Marawian and Desert Lion forced the crowd to its feet on many occasions. With the Marawian-MAIDA gaining from additional vigor and support from its new team manager, Kim Desinon, the spectators had doubly boosted their numbers during the match that inspired Marawian to an easy 128-70 victory over the outmatched Desert Lion. The Marawian’s top favorite Asnor Manabilang received most of the viewers’ attention, especially in the absence of teammate Asmad. Manabilang has made an easy three triples, five steals, eight assists and six rebounds that all contributed to his 32 points. Jamil poured in an excellent 27 points for Marawian, while another teammate, Amer, contributed with 18 points, three steals, five assists and eight rebounds.
The fourth game between Al-Nao and Obaidah had been similarly played well. Al-Nao stars Laguindab, Barambangan and Macapaar displayed some spectacular basketball action that resulted in a fruitful 100-60 win over an equally determined opponent. Obaidah had been trailing 18-23 in the first quarter, and 36-41 in the second quarter, but were lefth behind from the third quarter. Obaidah’s favorite Uda and Dumato exhausted much effort, but the effort proved useless against a stronger Al-Nao.
