JEDDAH: The 1st Orient Watch Cup, the 11th conference of FILSAMA Basketball League, got off to rousing start and much of opening day buzz Friday was the return of the rivalry between Shadow Lounge and Friendster which are now carrying the colors of Uncle Majid Asian Fusion Cuisine and New Cabalen Friendster respectively in the Open Rated B Division.

Preceding the games was the opening ceremony highlighted by the traditional parade of teams. Chief guest was Mohamed Bayoumi, a friend of the Filipino community and FBL adviser-consultant whose unselfish support helped pave the way for kickoff to this tournament. FBL Commissioner Abdulmoen “Teng” Laguilam delivered the welcome address. Also present at the ceremony were OFW Council of Leaders Director General Venecio Legaspi and Assistant Director General Red Bual as well as FBL friends Jimmy Abdullah Beltran and Wilson Maata.

The first trophies to go up for grabs went to Best in Uniform awardees New Cabalen Friendster (Open Rated B Division and Above 40 Division ) and Sharbatly (Non Rated Division). These awardees also each received a gift pack from Cruzado Perfume courtesy of Daniel Cruzado.

Also, giveaways galore with Western Union Money Transfer distributing mugs and duffel bags, Sharbatly offering fruits and Pinkyz giving away a sample of its cupcakes. Uncle Majid and New Cabalen provided food for the committee and guests.

Best Player Joseph Ubalde and new recruit Razon delivered the crucial points as Francis Magat’s Uncle Majid coached by Eric Ubekoh used a 14-4 blast to start the fourth quarter to break open a tight game, 74-67, from 63-60 at the end of the third period.

Ubalde finished on 22 points, Mursi Akad tallied 14 points and Noy Magat added 9 points .

For Cris Melebo’s New Cabalen Friendster coached by Amang Catador the leading scorers are Amparado 17 points, Villegas 15, Basa 10, Nafiza 10, and Nader 10 point.

In the first game, Dabarkads took advantage of their fresh and young legs to beat Shartbatly 80-75. Dabarkads outscored Shartbatly with their good ball movement and fast-paced game as well as a tight defense that left Sharbatly struggling to get the ball to the hoop.

Best Player Recasa of Dabarkads top-scored with 22 points followed by Voluntad 18 and Adones 10. Sharbatly was led by the tall Ali with 24 points with Ordoion on13, Dinglasan 11 and Vitangcor with 6 points.

The second game was a blowout for Pinkyz Cupcake and Coffee over DHL. Asmad paced Pinkys on 27 points while David led DHL with 20 markers. But this time DHL failed to deliver their needed points to win the match.

The tournament playing days are Thursdays and Fridays starting 4 p.m. at Club Sports Complex in Faisaliah District. FBL would like to thank major sponsor Orient Watch -Al Husseini & Al Yahyah Investment Group for its support. The other league backers are Western Union, LBC Cargo Hari ng Padala, Cruzado Perfume and Virgin Mobile.

The sponsorship of Al-Hussaini and Al-Yahya Investment Group was facilitated by Marketing Manager Osman Al-Hussaini, and Export Manager Mohd. Ali Talib.