JEDDAH: Islamic Development Bank dealt WRJ Cargo-Carling Sport a blow in its title-retention campaign with an emphatic 81-64 victory in the Filsama Basketball League 3rd Conference at the JSA Sports Complex court.

The victory during the league’s ninth week left IDB as the unbeaten leader with a twice to beat privilege in the Open Rated C Division.

Balo-I made sure of victory after a heartbreaking defeat by WRJ, as it edged out Al Zugbi 87-85 in an overtime thriller on Friday.

IDB coaching staff got a big lift from top gunner Salagoste and Asda, who each contributed 17 points, to topple the shorthanded WRJ, which was without the two-time MVP Diego Domalogdog with a hurting elbow, point guard Asperga, who failed to play due to his workload, and the injured Disquitado brothers.

As a result WRJ was badly bruised throughout the game.

IDB’s key player Kim Ali was ejected in the early in the fourth quarter for committing a dangerous foul on Magpoc of WRJ during which time IDB was fighting hard to regain the double-digit lead after WRJ closed to within 74-66.

IDB managed to grab back the lead by double-digit and retain it to the end.

In the Open Rated A division, Semacs of veteran coach Boy Corsega scored its first win over the big men of Shams 75-71.

Starting off with just five players on the bench, Semacs took on Shams with its big man John Rebulado going up against Wahdan of Shams.

Corsega ordered a pressing defense that apparenty worked as Semacs forced Shams to turnovers during the game.

Without the good ball handler Yasser directing the plays for Shams, Semacs got away with several steals and converted them into baskets.

Both speedsters, Aries Mascapac and Teddy Jamahali scored 20 and 15 points for Semacs.

In the All Muslim Division, Pagadian on Thursday scored back-to-back wins, beating Sultan Kudarat Warriors 84 –73 and X-Rulx 84-68 on completion of their game that was called off.

Asas Friendster beat Cotabato 88 –71. Capugan led Friendster with 27 points.

Balo-I had another memorable game against an Al Zugbi team desperately in need of a victory to remain in the top four in the Open Rated C Division.

Zugbi looked to have the win in the bag with a three-point lead at 77-74 and ball possession in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter.

But in a twist of fate for Balo-I, the final buzzer sounded with the score tied at 77, forcing the game into overtime.

This after a Magat steal in the last few seconds of the fourth period set up Liam for a game-tying three-pointer that swished the net.

In the exchanges during the overtime, Balo-I got the go-ahead basket from big man Yasser, who made a critical 3- point shot during the final seconds. Balo-I also profited from the good defense by Jun Omo.

With the victory Balo-I secured its place in the final four and also gave the team a chance to play for the championship trophy alongside Islamic Development Bank, WRJ Cargo Carling Sports and MOG.

Zugbi kissed its hopes goodbye for the semifinals with the defeat by Balo-I.

Meanwhile, Dabarkads beat Jamjoom Pharma 60-58 in the Inter-Company Division and Cotabato downed Al Khaira 74-62 in the All Muslim Division.

The week ended in a big disappointment for the crowd that thronged the JSA court when the Friday headline match was aborted after Unilever defaulted its Open Rated A Division game against Egypt Team.

— With input from Ogie Nucum