AL KHAFJI, 8 August 2003 — GAMA quintet crowned themselves as champions of the 1st ACMC-GAMA Invitational Basketball Tournament held at the Al-Enizi Basketball Tournament, Ras Al-Khafji.
GAMA’s Santy Bensoy was unanimously voted by the Organizing Committee as the “Most Valuable Player”, duplicating his feat as last year’s MVP of Arabian Oil Company’s Invitational Tournament.
The burly Santy Bensoy pumped the go-ahead 6 baskets with team captain Arnel De Jesus assisting, as SCDD Dental Warriors crumpled as early as 10 minutes of the first half. Louie Rodriguez carted away 13 points and was desperate to tie their best of 3 games. Glen Verosil peppered 8 of his perfect clutch shots at the closing minutes and helped his side win the series at 61-42 score.
Sam Naviamos of GAMA Couples bested all contestants of the Three Point Shooting spree, as one of the highlights of the tournament. Best Coach and No.1 strategist went to Gary Miguel of the champion team. ACMC bagged the “Most Sportsmanship Trophy” plus the “Best in Uniform Trophy” earlier awarded on the opening day.
Composition of the Mythical Five were Arnel De Jesus as Best Point Guard, Santy Bensoy as Best Power Forward both from GAMA Bachelor. Best Small Forward was Jovy Penafiel of SkyFreight Forwarders while Best Off Guard was Louie Rodriguez and Abdullah AI-Anizi the Best Center of the losing runner-up team. Raul Marquez of SCDD Dental Warrior received the “Most Promising Coach” trophy as special citation from the Tournament Organizers.
SkyFreight Forwarders received the 2nd Runner-up trophy while GAMA Couple took the 3rd Runner-up Trophy.
Saleh Al-Rubaiyah of Rubaiyah Est. and Bert Cruz of KJO Material Department presented the trophies and medals to respective winners at the awards ceremony.
