Libutan Legends marched to their fourth win in five games while Malco Cotabato recovered from defeat in its last game in the Samahang Basketbolistang Maguindanaon sa Riyadh (SBMR) 3rd Conference dubbed LBC Kingdom Cup 2012 at the Zahid Tractor Gym in Nasseem on the outskirts of Riyadh.
Defending champion Guindulungan Dragons starring Sarge Mohammad, JD Boy Sindo, Rod Haron, Bogarex Guinomla and Rasul Tumagantang were at the short end of an 88-79 decision against Libutan Legends, who nursed a slim 41-40 edge after the first half thanks to the combo of Joharto Canda, Esmail Singh, Satar Mayuan, Norodin Upam and Thex Gumbay.
Libutan was up by 8 points at close of the third quarter 58-50.
Malco Cotabato of Nasser and Noura Ponponan handed Davao Kalagan its fourth defeat in six games 90-82.
Allan Cala went 5-for-5 from 3-point land and teamed with Ibrahim Wewe, Nur Bariwan, Hashim Panasilan and Mark Luciano to give Kalagan a 25-21 lead.
Kalagan and Malco led by the trio of Saudi Khusain, Joe Paguital and Mar Campiao swapped leads 44-42 and 63-59 at the end of second and third quarters before Malco eventually won in the end.
The tournament attracted nine teams namely host team Zahid Tractor, Buluan Kings, Malco Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Davao Kalagan, Guindulungan Dragons, Libutan Legends, Paglat Laguna Lakers and Saranggani Marlins.
Games are being played Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
LBC Express 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. Wahab Abu Yasser is this season’s SBMR chairman. Wahab is being supported by Theng Guiapal (commissioner) and Ali “Maestro” Noh (consultant), Guiadsaly Ibrahim, Elthon Alamada and Monide Kumandi (committee members).
Team standings – Datu Odin Sinsuat 4-0, Libutan Legends 4-1, Zahid Tractor 3-0, Guindulungan Dragons 3-2, Malco Cotabato 3-3, Paglat Laguna Lakers 3-3, Davao Kalagan 2-4, Buluan Kings 1-4, Saranggani Marlins 0-5
The scores:
Libutan Legends (88) J. Canda 24, S. Mayuan 21, E. Singh 15, U. Norodin 15, T, Gumbay 6, H. Amir 5, M. Ustadz 2 Guindulungan Dragons (79) M. Sarge 32, S. JD Boy 19, H. Rod 12, G. Bogarex 10, T. Rasul 2, M. Datu Ronnie 2, W. Mohammad 2
Malco Cotabato (90) S. Khusain 31, J. Paguital 18, M. Rasul 10, Jamal Boy 10, T. Sabrean 7, U. Mansour 4, M. Campiao 4, R. Andalinog 4
Davao Kalagan (82) I. Wewe 19, A. Cala 19, N. Bariwan 14, H. Panasilan 12, M. Abain 5, M. Luciano 5, L. Hedger 4, N. Sugaran 2, R. Prince Bhads 2.
