RIYADH, 16 April 2004 — Three-time champions Al Bustan Ready Mix made a triumphant return to Zahid Tractor court, beating the host cagers 98-80 and D’Disers crushed Ner’s La Paz Batchoy 102-80 at the start of the Zahid Tractor Basketball Tournament Central Region First Conference 2004 “The 10th Cup” here.
The season-opening 5-8 Below Reinforced tournament marked the resumption of big time basketball at Zahid after an absence of one year, and as usual it enjoys unflinching support from the management led by regional manager Caterpillar Machinery Division Central Region Faraj A. Tarhini.
Tarhini was present during the opening ceremony. He delivered an inspirational talk, declared the tournament open and made the ceremonial toss of the ball. Also present was property and maintenance manager Abdul Rahman Dmour.
Zahid Tractor Basketball Committee chairman Armin A. Gonzales delivered the closing remarks and drew the opening games.
It was Zahid Tractor’s tough luck that they had to meet a brickwall of a team in Al Bustan.
The host cagers did the best they can to match up with the more experienced Concrete Mixers but simply ran out of steam in the opener for both teams.
Managed by Ramir Mariano and coached by Vic Bueta, Al Bustan was led by Jeff Salac with 28 points, Ed Pineda with 20 and Gablino with 18.
Starring the Semilla brothers Rod and Raffy, Albert Pineda and Boy Tirado, D’Disers took control in the second quarter and never looked back en route to the victory in the tournament where every game is important. D’Disers team is managed by Lito Villanueva and coached by Jun Villarba.
The top two in the nine-team fold after the round robin will advance straight into a best-of-three championship playoffs. The next two will clash in a knockout battle for third place.
Besides Zahid Tractor, the other tournament sponsors are Philippine Airlines through country manager Jun Ordillano and Bison Energy Drink.
The other teams entered are Ford Al Jazirah, Mitsubishi, Khorayef, Talk and Friends and Blazers.
The scores; First game:
Al Bustan (98) — Salac 28, Pineda 20, Gablino 18, Gantan 11, Baruel 8, Palmero 7, Maniego 4, Alforque 2.
Zahid Tractor (80) — Cabral 19, Buhay 16, Bulaon 14, Ruallo 8, Gonzales 6, Bibanco 6, Damour 3, Basas 2, Manuel 2, Franco 2, Santorce 2. Halftime: 50-44.
Second game:
D’Disers (102) — Semilla 28, Pineda 20, R. Semilla 15, Terado 14, Santiago 6, Fugaban 5, Villanueva 4, Uy 3, Lardizabal 3.
Ner’s La Paz Batchoy (80) — Basilio 20, Polis 10, Fernandez 7, Lacson 7, Llagas 6, Natanauan 6, Solomon 6, Dayanan 4, Tayag 4, Narvaez. Halftime: 41-32.
