RIYADH, 8 March 2004 — Odyssey and Greenland, coached by Rashid Guinri and Zaldie Donnie respectively, cleared the first hurdle of the Mindanao Overseas Workers Association Friendship Basketball Tournament sponsored by Arab News.
Badawi shot a game-high 30 points, Lidasan added 26 and Amer 22 as Odyssey brought down a game Rockland squad 104-98. Greenland blew a 12-point lead but held on to an 85-81 triumph over Rio Grande in the nightcap at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel court here. The late entry of Saco Hardware has brought the number of competing teams to 10.
Badawi also made 20 rebounds in a sparkling performance for Odyssey which took control after it snapped the last deadlock at 60-all. Boy Bayabao, with 14 points, six assists and two steals, tried to energize Rockland with his efficient playmaking. Bayabao scored on a pass from veteran Dino Mustari to put Rockland, mentored by R. Mangotara, to within 87-86 in a scorching rally. But Odyssey mounted a 9-2 counterattack for a 94-88 lead. It was smooth sailing for Odyssey from there and the most that Rockland could do was close the gap to four points as Lidasan, who also had 13 rebounds, and Amer kept the points coming.
Amin Ali was the sparkplug for Greenland, making a night-high 32 points and four steals while entertaining the crowd with his cat-quick plays on both ends of the court. Bantuas added 21, Sa. Alamada 11 and Pacasum, another crowd favorite, contributed seven for Greenland that enjoyed a couple of 12-point leads, the last at 57-45 early in the third quarter.
Ali hit a three-pointer to begin the fourth quarter as Greenland had a 71-62 spread. Greenland then spent the rest of the way foiling attempts by Rio Grande, coached by Amidin Bano, to win. Manila Plaza and Power Horse Energy Drink are the tournament cosponsors.
The scores: Odyssey (104): Badawi 30, Lidasan 26, Amer 22, Haile 16, Tan 5, Ibrahim 3, Jalik 2, beat Rockland 98: Dibaratum 20, Macapaar 18, Bayabao 14, Mustari 8, Pario 6, Goling 4, Paudak 4, Guro 4, Maba 4, Bani 3, Dimakuta 2. Quarterscores: 15-27, 51-54, 83-76, 104-98 Refs.: E. de la Cruz, R. Seran.
Greenland 85: Ali 32, Bantuas 21, Sa. Alamada 11, Pacasum 7, Sh. Alamada 6, Taha 2, Acob 2, Ampuan 2, Laidan 2, beat Rio Grande 81: Ahmad 20, Damada 16, N. Pagayao 15, Maulana 12, Anagas 9, T. Pagayao 6, Kanakan 2, Jordan 1. Quarterscores: 25-18, 50-37, 68-60, 85-81 Refs.: E. de la Cruz, Mohd. Villamena
Friday Games: 7 a.m.: Pacific Cargo vs T. Falcons; 9 a.m.: Extra vs WRJ; 4 p.m.: Rockland vs Saco; 6 p.m.: Greenland vs Al-Omar.
