ALKHOBAR: Fahad Alireza Engineering & Consultants (FAEC) defeated Khobar Warriors, 69-65, in a crucial match to survive in their elimination campaign as the United Filipino Sports Association-Dammam Basketball League sponsored by Western Union Money Transfer continues at the jampacked Al Gosaibi Quadrangle Court here.

As expected, the game turned into a war, but this time, the Engineering giants stood to the challenge and finally kicked the ghost of their heartbreaking loss in the last outing.

Big baskets came from defendable wingman Anthony Perez, who provided the muscle inside the paint, Von Von Ortega and Zaldy Patanao, and an excellent defensive effort made the difference for FAEC team this time.

“It was a sweet victory,” said coach Homer Pascual. “Finally, the boys realized how strong they are if they can only put their focus on the game.” But their win over the Warriors would just amount to nothing if they fail to hurdle their next assignments.

Perez also dished out two assists and the same number of rebounds and steals. Gary Manapat also produced decent numbers by tallying 8 points and grabbing six rebounds while Gilbert Paragas chipped in with 9 points and five assists.

The Khobar-based Warriors were ahead in the early going before Perez suddenly caught fire, fueling an 9-point explosion on the way to a 31-22 halftime lead.

Fidel Fidel paced the Warriors with 17 points but that effort went down the drain as he turned the ball six times. Bong Reyes was another disappointment as he went scoreless in the last two quarters after scoring 8 points in the first half.

In another action, Al Tuwairqi shattered the dreams of Almarai Milk with a 62-55 win.

Sherwin Balisi displayed renewed enthusiasm as Tuwairqi finally heaved a sigh of relief in the final quarter to record an upset over erstwhile favorite Almarai in a confusion laden win.

Balisi and Bong Aquino epitomized Tuwairqi’s domination by combining for 32 points. Richard Cantonjos joined the foray scavenging for 9 points being on the right place at the right time.

Down at 50-49, and on the defensive end, Tuwairqi five saw its dimming hopes come alive when the Al Marai squad made three crucial errors towards the endgame that triggered their downfall.

After Marvin Maniago, Ariel Surban, and Rhon Morilla ignited a last minute rally to give Almarai the lead, veteran player-coach Mon Hernandez paraded his star studded lineup.

Balisi top-scored with 20 points while Evan Evasco and Albert Salado added 8 and 7 points.