Samsung beats Ghadeer Al Arabia in 1st LBC-Liga Pinoy

Samsung broke free from a tight game with a big fourth quarter to beat Al Ghadeer Al Arabia Lanao Lakers 94-92 in first game for both teams in the Open Rated Division in Week 4 of the 1st LBC-Liga Pinoy Basketball Tournament at Ahmad Khaki Sports Complex (Orca) basketball court on Tahlia Street here.
Mursie Akad scored 31 big points, Ron Magat added 17 and Robby David contributed 15 as Samsung hit 14 unanswered points after a three-pointer and a free throw by Ghadeer’s Mark Basa to begin the final period.
That big run, which Adrian Bulacan started and featured a power move inside to the basket by big man Balat Villanueva, a three by Magat and a breakaway slam dunk by Akad, gave manager Francis Magat and coach Gary Santos’s Samsung squad an 8-point lead at 77-69 after the third quarter had ended 65-63 to Ghadeer.
Ghadeer which dressed only seven players for the game and without coach Amang Catador outscored Samsung 6-4 for an 81-76 count before Akad, David and Magat took over and put Samsung on top by eight once more at 89-81 to cushion Ghadeer’s last-ditch effort in the final minute of the entertaining contest that also saw a couple of dunks from Christian Guimpatan of Lanao Lakers.
The Open Rated Division and the tournament for that matter has gone international with the entry of Jeddah United (Lebanese Selection) and Syrian select team Jeddah Avengers. They played each other Friday with Jeddah United winning by a proverbial mile 72-57. Tall Ayman of Nadeem Sultani’s Jeddah United led all scorers with 23 points.
In the first game Thursday, Jeddah Friends needed four free throws by Barry Nader and a crucial defensive rebound by Malik Ampuan in the last 50 seconds to repulse a fighting Jeddah Eagles of Hassan Zenoudine 61-59.
Anilar Palo made 13 points, Ismael Kursi had 11 and Junaidd 10 for Jedah Friends. Jamal paced the young Eagles with 25 points.
In the first game Friday, Promptness defeated Aleena 78-70. Leading the way for Promptness were Herman, Juaini with 12 and 11 points, while Al Naker and Undog each added 10.
It was the first game for both teams.
In the 6th JAFC (Jameel Associates Fitness Club) Basketball Tournament, G. Arana shot 41 points as Mega Al Jowhara crushed Mega Center Jeddah 85-48 while NGFC blasted JACS 64-53 in games Thursday.
Friday’s twinbill had Barangay Mega Al Safa beating Forklift 59-55 and IT Division winning over Prince Sultan Ring Road 60-54.
LBC Express Inc. is the major sponsor of the tournament. Bryan Javier, LBC-KSA marketing specialist, helped facilitate the sponsorship.
The minor sponsors are Toyota, Mobily Globe, CEO & X Perfume of Rannie Basanta, Samsung through Muhaid Osman, promotion and development manager, Alicafé and Dole of Multibrands Al Ghadeer Al Arabia of Sheikh Jamal.
The BRG (Basketball Referees Group) of Lito Dela Cruz is in charge of the tournament officiating.