FAEC clinches Haj Regional Basketball title; Gonzales MVP

ALKHOBAR: Fahd Alireza Engineering Consultants (FAEC) captured the title in the Haj Holidays Regional Basketball dubbed “Pasiklaban ng mga Astig sa Tag-init” after beating Boy Corsega’s Jeddah All-Star selection in a convincing fashion, 98-77, Saturday at the jampacked Al Qadisia sports gymnasium here.
FAEC, who came in full force with manager Edward James Francis and Jimmy Cuadro, Ariel Julio, Tony Huerta and Art Palima in the sideline, had other things in mind as they looked more composed and determined to win after a dismal finish in the last regional games where they placed third.
Fahd Alireza Engineering Consultants is the event major sponsor. Mohd. Dossary Hospital, Bangus Restaurant and McDonald's are minor sponsors while Fawri Money Exchange provided the trophies courtesy of Marie Joanne Yodico with the assistance of Gaw Rosario Arreva of Riyadh.
Corsega was looking to score a historic regional double after winning the Riyadh Regional Games two days ago. Instead, Corsega was left to figure out what went wrong to his team in the second half controlled by FAEC, as he ended up with a 0-for-2 in the two times he reached a regional final this year at this venue.
Jeddah five barely gave FAEC a scare after a strong start in the first quarter and after trailing by a point, 19-18, on FAEC’s stalwart Matthew Carney’s buzzer-beating putback basket.
The multi-titled FAEC, whose last championship trophy was won in August 2013 Best of the Bests (Part I) at the same venue, had to overcome Jeddah's resistance early in the game. Mark Delantar, John Rebulado, Mark Basa and Christian Guimpatan delivered the goods in the first half scoring 9, 8, 7 & 6 respectively, as they kept Jeddah, sponsored by New Cabalen Restaurant, within striking distance all first half long.
Former PBA Norman Gonzales powered FAEC with 25 points while getting strong support from former NCAA and Angeles University Foundation's Carney and former NU Bulldogs Benner Salamat with 17 points apiece. Coached by Ramil Zarandin, FAEC barely allowed their foes to gain momentum as they grabbed a 70-52 third quarter lead with Gonzales burying a triple at the buzzer.
Julius Eleazar chipped in 8 of his 9 points in the last quarter, Cris Manalili, Allan De Castro, added 8 and 7 markers helping FAEC maintain control, 87-59, 6:13 remaining in the game while ace guard Neil Aclan continued to play steady and distributed the ball efficiently as they tore Jeddah apart to run away with the lopsided victory. Former NU Bulldogs’ Jess Mapanao scored 5 points, former PBA Rulof Lianco and Aclan each had 4 points apiece while Benjie Labitoria added 3 markers in the game.
Arnold Dela Cruz’s Paparotti team sponsored by Flash Cargo claimed the second runner-up trophy after beating Riyadh All-Star, 93-42, in an unfinished match as the latter decided to concede citing players fatigue.
On the first day of competition, Riyadh All-Star lost to FAEC, 105-73, while Jeddah drubbed Paparotti, 83-68, in the second game, to set-up a Jeddah-FAEC (Al Khobar) finals.
Gonzales was adjudged the tournament MVP. He was joined by his teammates Salamat and Carney (FAEC), Delantar and Akad (Jeddah) in the mythical five. UFBF organizers would like to thank BARECOM as the tournament’s official referees and guest referees headed by Caloy Mereria, Mon Hernandez and John Nicholo Nuyles of SBP.