JEDDAH, 12 March 2004 — Al-Jazirah Ford beat WRJ in the 5th week of the 1st BBSJ Basketball Tournament posting 90-86 in an exciting encounter.
Al-Jazirah rallied behind Sendon and Maraya to register 36-33 but San Pedro with his timely steals and long range shooting ability brought WRJ to lead and by half time up 65-60. In the final quarter, Al-Jazirah, with the help of Cook, drew level at 78-78, with time down to 16 seconds. WRJ got bonus of 2 shot and ball possession from a technical foul. But Sendon gave his side the edge with his quick drives to the hoops as Al-Jazirah rolled to their first victory. He emerged as the player of the game with 17 points, 8 steals and 6 on-ball defenses assist. The Laguna Lakers paced by 17-point performance from Wilbert Navor dumped Strikers 88-83 to register their two consecutive win. Strikers dominated in the first opening quarter at 21-19. Laker’s duo Alcala and Reyes finding their touch in the first quarter and went on to lead at 48-44. Britanico who had averaged 22 points with his timely interception and defense assists rallied hsis side to 61-55. The fourth quarter saw several lead changes but Laguna Lakers, with Wilbert Navor in form, grabbed the lead at 76-73 and with time down to 5 seconds Lakers still led 85-83. Reyes with his timely sniping at the rainbow territory helped preserve their victory. Navor was adjudged best player of the game.
In another game, Al-Attas tamed Wartsila Lions 86-79 to register their second consecutive win. Ted Fabian scored 21 points for Lions but Ryan Torres asserted his matchless defense with 27 total points and 12 rebounds that earned him the best player of the game award.
Meanwhile, Al Majal dominated IEF in a lopsided game, they outrebounded, outgunned and outran their unfortunate opponents in a 90-51 murder. Bautista, who had averaged 21 points for IEF but the rookie struggled from the floor shooting to post 6 for 24. Gayoba the best player of the game hit 22 points.
Giant superstores thumped the WRJ on Thursday to register their third consecutive win. Mac Buenaventura was the best player of the game with his 21 output and 11 rebounds.
