RIYADH, 20 December 2002 — Noel “Bordz” Sabordo of Kudu was the main target in this battle as Joseph Abasolo, Dave Mallari, Ruel Tugade, Zenki Naperi and the rest of coach Jojo Ben’s Pizza Hut cagers aimed to block Kudu from winning this game and go for round three in the best-of-three championship series of the 2nd Conference Basketball Fever in Riyadh (Inter-Company Bonafide).
It took 1.27 minutes before the first basket was converted courtesy of Louie “Skywalker” Banaira followed by another 3 points of Allain Catalan. During the second quarter, the scenario favored the Pizza Hut team as high-leaping Ruel Tugade, strong rebounder Jayson Guevarra used his height advantage and Dave Mallari continuously flexed their get-up-and-go mood.
The last 5 minutes of the ballgame saw Dave Mallari converting two successive 3-point shots with Ruel Tugade and Joseph Abasolo adding 2 consecutive baskets. With 36 seconds left, the Kudu cagers forgot to foul the ball-handlers which was enough to end the ballgame with 67-63 in Pizza Hut’s favor.
The awarding ceremony followed immediately and the awardees were:
Michael Tamayo (Jeraisy) — highest single scorer, Cholo San Juan (Jeraisy) — highest 3-pointer, Al-Hokair Land Team — the most disciplined team, Arnel Ardamoy (Zahran) — highest in assist, Aldrin Alegria (Burger King) — highest in steal, Jess Ritualo (Zahran) — highest in rebound and block shots. Members of the elite mythical five were:
Noel “Bordz” Sabordo (Kudu) and Michael Tamayo (Jeraisy) — Best Guards, Joseph Abasolo (Pizza Hut) and Jess Ritualo (Zahran) — Best Forwards, and Ador Aguinaldo (Kudu) — Best Center.
Michael Tamayo was chosen as the Rookie of the Tournament and Joseph Abasolo was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the most disciplined cager.
Third runner-up position went to Metito Team, Jeraisy Group took the 2nd runner-up trophy while depending champion Kudu brought home the 1st runner-up title and Pizza Hut was declared the Champion Team.
Ahmed Eiloush, Sheraton Hotel’s Deputy Director for Sales and Marketing awarded the trophies and gifts to all the winners including Jojo Ben and Randy Asistin who were the Best Team Coach and Best Team Manager respectively.
Pepsi Cola with Bahr Al-Olum Printing Press sponsored this tournament organized by the Riyadh Inter-Hotels Sports Committee and being held at the Riyadh Sheraton Hotel Basketball Court, while getting support from Kudu, Burger King and Pizza Hut.
The tournaments committee would like to extend their profound thanks and appreciation to all supporters, FCBR Group of Referees, table officials headed by Chito “the barker” Solis, Jomie Leyva, Joy Maglapit, Jess Lumanog, Jeff Rodriguez, Sonny Puno, Jezreel Tabisora, Francis Maca and Nonoy Velo of TFC. (Jun Adriano Mallare)