Guindulungan, Paglat win openers in 3rd SBMR tourney

RIYADH: JUN ADRIANO MALLARE

Guindulungan Dragons and Paglat Laguna Lakers scored opening day wins in the Samahang Basketbolistang Maguindanaoan sa Riyadh (SBMR) 3rd Conference dubbed LBC Kingdom Cup 2012 at the Zahid Tractor Gym in Nasseem outside of Riyadh.
SBMR Chairman Wahab Abu Yasser and Commissioner Theng Guiapal welcomed the participating teams, sponsor representatives and basketball enthusiasts during the opening ceremony highlighted by the parade of teams.
Fareed Badawi led the oath of sportsmanship. Wahab declared the tournament and the commissioner made the ceremonial toss of the ball.
Davao Kalagan was the Best Team in Uniform winner.
This season’s tournament attracted nine teams including host Zahid Tractor. Buluan Kings, MalCotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Davao Kalagan, Guindulungan Dragons, Libutan Legends, Paglat Laguna Lakers and Saranggani Marlins complete the roster. Regular games are to be played Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Defending champion Guindulungan Dragons overpowered MalCotabato 96-77 in the first game. Rookie Bogarex Guiomla scored 25 points for the Dragons in tandem with the 6-foot-3 JD Boy Sindo.
In the second game, captain ball Ronnie Guiamad and Andari Guiana carried the load for Paglat Laguna Lakers in the 84-77 triumph over Davao Kalagan. Guiamad scored 18 points while Guiana added 15 points for the Lakers.
LBC represented by Arnold Cereno is the major sponsor of the tournament while Western Union donated the trophy for the Best Team in Uniform. Filipino Confederation of Basketball Referees (FCBR) handles the tournament officiating. Helping Wahab and Guiapal run the league are Ali “Maestro” Noh (consultant), Guiadsaly Ibrahim, Elthon Alamada and Monide Kumandi (committee members).