JEDDAH, 26 March 2004 — Pablo Viscayno hit 22 points to lead Al-Zafer to their fifth straight victory over Wartsila Lions in the 1st BBSJ Basketball Tournament in Al-Majal Compound in Jeddah.
After allowing Wartsila to get within 53-51, Al-Zafer went on a 71-66 lead at the end of the third quarter. Ramil Martin kept Wartsila hopes alive by hitting 21 points for his team, sparking a rally with his quick drives to the hoops at 75-72.
However, Al-Zafer led by Viscayno applied man-to-man defense and with less than a minute left, was leading at 90-81. Viscayno with his timely sniping at the rainbow territory gave them a comfortable victory at 93-81.
For his defensive effort and with his 21 points, he emerged the best player of the game.
In another action, Al-Jazira Ford posted their second win in a row at the expense of the Giant Superstores to win 75-70, Al-Jazira dominated in the early stages of the game at 51-52.
Morales of Giant tried to wrest the lead and grabbed the upper hand at 56-55, but Agpaua controlled the boards with his offensive rebounds and led his side at 70-68.
With time down to 46 seconds, Giant mounted a last ditch attempt but Al-Jazira killed time with some neat passing to preserve their win at 75-70. Agpaua with his 24 points and 5 blocks won the best player of the game award.
Despite the loss, Giant will play in the semifinal round.
Al-Majal bulldozed Laguna Lakers in another round. Balmores, who scored 21 points, saw his efforts at naught when the trio Manguerra, Soliveres and Ramos dominated the offensive and defensive rebounds.
Manguerra, for the fast breaks, won the best player of the game award sponsored by Al-Zafer Cargo.
This event is being organized by Bag-ong Bicol Saro nin Jeddah.
Fikra ran over Fedex at 78-43. Bansil hit 20 points and 10 rebounds and 8 block shots picked the best player award.
