1st Maskan Arabia Invitational Basketball Tournament under way

The 1st Maskan Arabia Invitational Basketball Tournament kicked off last Friday at the Maskan Arabia Labor Camp on the outskirts of Riyadh with Al Bustan, Safid Nesma (KAFD) and Saudi European Expo scoring opening day victories.
Powerhouse Al Bustan crushed Maskan Arabia Maintenance team 68-44 in the first game with playing assistant head coach Brosoto Robinson and A. Guillermo each scoring 10 points.
KAFD pounced on the mistakes by NEO late in the game to score a 68-61 triumph while Saudi European drew a night-high 35 points from Expo J. Cabarrubias in an impressive 80-64 win over an off-form Maskan Arabia Head Office in the nightcap of a triplebill.
The tournament attracted 11 teams that will play a single round-robin format. The top 4 finishers will proceed to the semifinal round and on to the championship matches.
At stake are team trophies and individual certificates of participation with medals for the champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, and 3rd runner-up. Individual certificates with medals will also be given to the MVP, Mythical 5, Best in 3 Points, Best in Assists and Best Defensive Player.
Master of ceremonies Edgar Ballentes, welcomed the guests and participants that paraded in their colorful uniforms, followed by a brief opening speech of Fahad Al Gafees, HR manager of Maskan Arabia Company. Al Gafees also made the ceremonial toss of the ball.
Larri Barcelona, Engineering head of Maskan Arabia Co., delivered a humorous but inspiring speech, while Darlito Baslag and Anselmo Biera of Al Bustan, Lemuel Gomotay of Saudi European Expo did the Olympic-inspired lighting of the torch.
Macario Icang Jr., of Maskan Arabia Executive Office, did the oath of sportsmanship.
The Best Team in Uniform trophy went to Maskan Arabia Maintenance team. JP Aleta of Kabayan Tambayan of TFC, head referee Danny Puno and Joey Salem comprised the panel of judges.
This year’s Organizing Committee members are Edmund David, George Abalorio, Rommel Macalit, Esikiel Gracia, Carlito Baslag, Lemuel Gomotay, Jessie, and Bong Anulacion.
Maskan Arabia is this year’s main sponsor, with all participating teams as co-sponsors.
Completing the 11-team roster are Princess Noura Bint University, Al Hammadi, Al Samama and Al Yamamah University.