HOFUF, 24 January 2003 — King Fahd Hospital in Hofuf (KFHH) D’Saints jumped to jubilation when its hotshot rookie Maui Peralta converted two-for-two to win the championship title of the Arab National Bank Telemoney Basketball Cup.
KFHH D’Saints edged arch rival Al-Shami Sinaiyah, 99-98 in overtime, bagging home the championship title.
The Al-Shami camp could have stolen the glory being up by one point, 98-97 in the dying 16 seconds.
However, Al-Shami fouled Peralta with just seven seconds left which he successfully converted. D’Saints coach Manny Sombrero started with Peralta, Alombro, Gil, Saladaga and Sanchez in the opening salvo pumping 27 points to lead the first quarter over Al-Shami maintenance specialists‚ 24 points. Al-Shami Sinaiyah skipper Ed Casaclang also started a powerhouse five of Felipe, Raquion, Millare, Opolencia, and Serrano.
Felipe showed his might in the hardcourt firing three consecutive 3-point shots. The ensuing quarters were run-and gun on both sides hitting point by point which ended on a deadlock at the regular time. The tournament was organized by the Al-Hassa Sports Association (AHSA) with the support of the All Filipino Community and Sports Commission (AFCSCOM). Arab National Bank (Telemoney) in Al-Hassa was the major sponsor of the tournament, courtesy of area marketing manager Saleh Al-Hattab and ANB marketing head Abdurabbuh Al-Majhed. The first runner-up trophy was awarded to Al-Shami Sinaiyah team.
The second runner-up was taken home by Al-Hassa Raftors mentored by Rodilee Ladera and manager Alex Suarez.
The third runner-up was received by Al-Rai Food Industries by team coach Sanny Mina and manager Mher Arcega. Peralta also garnered the Most Valuable Player award. Leo Raquion pocketed the rookie of the year, while Rommel Quisel took the highest pointer and Boboy Labro got the 3-pointer honors.
Al-Rai Food team received the Most Sportsmanship and the Best Team Coach trophies. Other sponsors of the tournament were Green Valley Restaurant, McDonalds, SkyFreight Forwarders, Al-Jabr Soft Drinks, UPS Worldwide Services, Gandhour Hofuf, The Filipino Channel (TFC), Social Security System (SSS), and the Giant Stores. The current officers of AHSA are Nene Julio, president; Jun Ortaleza, secretary; Merck Marinez, assistant secretary; Jerome Gutierrez, treauser; Jojo Morana, asst. treasurer; William Quilatan, auditor; Romy Cuya, asst. auditor; Floserfino Famarin, p.r.o.; Egay Garrote, asst. p.r.o.; Rodille Ladera, business manager; and Ghel Nobleza, business manager; and game officials Rene Leis, Nivo de vera, and Jhun de Santores. (Dinan Arana and Flos Famarin)
