RIYADH, 30 January 2004 — It was a sweet victory for the Warriors, who registered their first ever win over the SOFWA team in the ongoing “WEMOWA Unity Cup 1424” Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Riyadh International School (RIS).
The game went down to the wire as Pat Astih, the Warrior’s formidable three-pointer, and Amin combined for a total of 30 points as the game ended at 62-61 with SOFWA bowing out of the tournament with no win record.
“Para na rin kaming nanalo sa championship” said Engr. Abdulhan Albiso, the Warrior’s manager, after winning the game.
The Villagers outgunned Vicegerent in the second game of the tournament. Jun-Jun Mohammad, fresh from vacation poured in 23 points and with some pin-point assists pushed the Villagers past the Vicegerent 65-56.
Meanwhile, Eagles soared over the Invaders in another thriller of the day. With just 4 seconds left of the game, Invaders went for their main man Tahil, who missed a crucial drive to the basket that sealed the game for the Eagles 63-60.
The game saw some exceptional moves by Tahil, who hit some acrobatic lay-ups but failed to lift the Invaders. The Eagles with four players in double figures now qualified for the semis which will start after the holidays. Valiant showed no mercy as they thrashed the FMB 61-49. The big men of FMB was no match to the wrecking crews of Valiant as they displayed a cohesive and well-set game plan.
The final scoresheets:
Warriors 62 — Amin 20, Astih 14, , Mariwa 8, Albiso 8, Abdulbar 6, H. Amirin 2, Anwar 2, U. Amirin 2. Coach: Pathi Astih. SOFWA 61 — Jamani 18, Agang 15, Arden 12, Isnain 6, Y.Abdulhaman 4, M. Abdulhaman 4, Payao 2. Coach: Ansar Payao
Villagers 65 — Mohammad 23, Asim 16, Jihad 12, Putal 8, K Asim 2, Alih 2. Coach: H. Hussein. Vicegerent 56 — Medina 20, Gentry 14, Saeed 10, Ruiz 10, Zakariah 2. Coach: Nawaf Medina.
Eagles 63 — Indasan 18, Bantuas 17, Majid 13, Abubakar 11, Ebong 4. Coach: Ben Punso. Invaders 60 — A.T Tahil 18, Kiram 10, Alamada 10, Aries 8, Salem 8, Majeed 4, Jamil 2. Coach: Omar Aracama.
Valliant 61 — Alabas 22, Ali 13, Badawi 12, Ibno 10, Daggi 2, Portuito 2. Coach: Abdulgafur Ibno. FMB 49 — Pagaura 21, Oliva 7, Harun Niedo 6, Dimaapi 6, I. Dimaapi 3, Yusuf Daragosa 2, Fahad Labsan 2. Coach: Ishmael Dimaapi.
