JEDDAH, 22 March — So overwhelming were the exploits of Sadafco, Binidayan Madalum and Angoyao International, after learning a lesson from their respective opening day slumps, and virtually joined the league’s winning column in the United Yousef Naghi Open Basketball Classic at the Hafil court in Jeddah. The event has the exclusive backing of the United Yousef Naghi Electronics Division, the sole distributors of Philips, LG, Fogoes Meireles, Ariston and Nardi home appliances and electronic brands in the Kingdom. A coordinated effort of the United Bangsaranao Council also helped make the event possible and is under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.
After painfully absorbing close defeat over United Naghi during the opening game, Sadafco trounced Al Bayt Decor behind a scorching start and a blazing finish of an 83-76 victory. Darwin Domingo and Ronald Batarao, probably the best open court point guards in the league, electrified a highly charged crowd with highlight baskets, associated with blasting triples. The duo was also responsible for botching up Al Bayt rally, with the help of teammate Raymund Suarez.
The acquisition of Alex Tampi finally bore fruit, as the flashy forward used the free throw line in helping Binidayan Madalum to escape the upset ax via 66-64 victory over Unayan Greenland. The game was close all the way and was decided only in the final 22 seconds. With the score tied at 64, Binidayan got away when Tampi converted his free throws that turned out to be the deciding factor in their favor. Unayan tried it hard to force the game into overtime but their efforts were saddled with Binidayan’s respectable endgame defense.
With its guns blazing, Angoyao International needed to forget their easygoing ways and exacted revenge at the expense of Makkah Brothers, 68-62. With Oroc Sarip prancing all over the court like a thoroughbred that none of his defenders could contain, Angoyao waxed hot underneath the boards to dictate the tempo of the contest. Their interior defense also hounded the whole Makkah squad into not taking their shots, while Angoyao worked hard challenging every shot, swarming at every rebound opportunity and shooting exceptionally well.
In a related development, three-time inter-company bona fide champion United Naghi team is scheduled to trek to Yanbu early Thursday, March 28 to compete in the four-team battle of the champions in the region. The two-day event is organized by the Yanbu Basketball Association, spearheaded by chairman Edgar Fernandez, vice chairman Jun Beo and director for operations Marvin Manalili.
BISA president and delegation head Mar Marzo banks on speedster Nap Solis, Aaron Mayo, Roland Centeno, Nery Lacuata, Rodjing Reyes, Juls Pakkie, Rey Bautista and Don Sindayen to spark a successful bid by the Al Naghi squad. United Yousef Naghi Electronics Division, in coordination with vice president Ahmed Sfarjinlani and retail & operations GM Jamal Hamouda, sponsors the trip.
Other United Naghi bets are Michael Salvador, Solaiman Udasan, Dennis Elmenzo, Fernando Dizon, Anthony Sobrepena, Edwin Naral and Leo Campo. Unspecified number of avid supporters is also expected to join the delegation.
The scores:
Sadafco-83: D. Domingo-17, R. Suarez-14, R. Batarao-10, De Guia-8, Custona-6, Gomez-5, Guevarra-4, Havana-4, A. Trinidad-2 beat Al Bayt Decor-76: Padua-19, Gricalda-16, Dayrit-10, Calma-10, Casupanan-8, Ocampo-6, Olegario-3.
Binidayan Madalum-66: A. Tampi-30, P. Fernando-20, Saripada-10, Basher-8, Radia-2 beat Unayan Greenland-64: Bani-20, Barambangan-15, B. Sumampao-10, Ayo-9, Andig-2, Mangadang-2, Abdullah-2.
Angoyao International-68: S. Sarip-24, Macapundag-13, Alimozaman-11, Ramos-5, Dimatingkal-5, Pasandalan-2, Gamor-2, Dimaronsing-2 beat Makkah Brothers-62: Entoman-11, Solaiman-10, Bantuas-10, Abangad-8, Dimala-7, Conding-4, Macaumbang-2, Bantuas-2.
