RIYADH, 17 May — It was a battle of power and speed as Fernandez scored 12 of his 21 points output in the fourth quarter, grabbed 4 rebounds and led the TIT Electronics to 69-64 victory over TFC/ABS-CBN in the ongoing Filipino Basketball League, 5’10 below category, which was held at the eight contracting compound exit 12 here.
Three of the seven man team scored double figures and Fernandez, the best player of the game is backed by the power center Basilio, who hit six back to back basket in early fourth quarter and garnered a total of 14 points in the game, and speedy Yalung who added 13 points. The TIT Electronics trailed 9-point lead end of first quarter and half time of the game.
TFC/ABS-CBN made certain defensive adjustment in the third quarter that cut the lead of TIT to five. Jose, who made 6 of his15-point output in the second quarter of the game, joined Pasumbal who was leading the scorecard with a 21-point output. Boogie also added 15 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. It could have been a classic game of tactics and consistency had they received enough support from the bench, as the Pasumbal, Jose and Boogie tandem have surpassed the output of Fernandez, Yalung and Basilio. But TIT won with a 5-point advantage attributed mainly to Fernandez and Basilio who produced a combined 18 points only in the fourth quarter.
In the other games of the day, Cano of the Samama team scored 5 triple jumpers and made a total of 17 points to beat Al Café 77-73. The team was 4 points behind in the first quarter and at half time, gained 1-point advantage at the end of the third quarter and push toward the fourth to win the game with four points. Santiago and Berdon who scored 16 points each back Cano who became the best player of the game.
Meanwhile, Del Prado a game high 20 points and led Al Shadaif to victory over Faisal Cargo 67-61. Dunkin Donuts beat Dr. Café 69-51. Policarpio led the scoring 16 points Solis and San Diego backed him.
The Filipino Basketball League is sponsored by TIT Electronics, Adel Soqair; Al Mohr Cargo, Roel Langit; Dunkin Donuts, Mags Dela Cruz; Metro Star Express, Romy Ocbina; TFC/ ABS-CBN, Joel Magpantay; Metro Bank Remittance, Marlon Hernandez; Philippine Airlines, Jun Ordillano.
The 2nd Filipino Basketball league Inter-Company 5-10 below non commercial players is soon to start and registration is going on. For details contact Egay Somera, 4358710/2914406 ext 251; Bernard Dacles, 4703707xt602; Emil Rental, 054194570; Penn V. Mallen, 056457209.
