The 8th E. A. Juffali Basketball League started last week with exciting opening day highlights at the Juffali Compound on Khurais Road near here.

The pre-game ceremony opened with the parade of participating teams in the Inter-Company (Group A) selection, Juffali Inter-Department (Group B) and Inter-Automotive (Group C). It was followed by the introductory address by league chairman, Uldarico Victoriano, and welcoming of participants, sponsors and guests by Elmer Bacerdo, the vice chairman.

Shane Lottering, workshop manager of Mercedes-Benz, gave an inspirational talk before the recitation of oath of sportsmanship led by Ed Guevarra. Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo of POLO-Riyadh made the ceremonial toss of the ball. Saudi Ericsson bagged the Best Team in Uniform award for the second time.

This event is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, JIPCO of Ali Bistawi and Parvez Akhtar, Western Union of Nomer Cuartero, The Filipino Dentists Group of Saudi Arabia headed by Dra. Lourdes Madayag, Laguna Lakers Cargo Forwarders of Dante Layosa, WRJ Freight Forwarders of Jong Magallanes, Merex Forwarders of Michael Casinos, and Pepsi Cola in cooperation with Arab News and ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel.

The league is organized and hosted by E.A. Juffali & Brothers led by Commissioner Rolly Narciso and officers Nonong Victoriano, Bacerdo, Dante Fabular (coordinator), Boyet Alquero (Technical Committee), George Velasco (treasurer), Flor Narisma (auditor), Emil Gamboa (Food & Refreshments), Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Transport) and Mark Valdez (marshall).

The first game in the Inter-Company saw Coffee Essence beat DHL Express, 75-53 in a lopsided contest. The winners outscored their opponents in all quarters and denied them to get 10 or15 points closer.

Topacio and Ratacan led the scoring at 12 points each for the winners’ side while Manalac poured a big 25 points in the losers’ side with Roxas on 14 points.

In the Inter-Automotive, JACO Mercedes Benz also won at the expense of Nagui Motors Jaguar 103-84 in a high-scoring game. Mercedes Benz’s Gragasin scored the highest so far in the league, 36 points followed by Lisondra 22, Razon 18 p and Abrazaldo 16 points.

For the losers, Mapagdalita top-scored with 18 points, Pugosa had 17 points and Fabillo 15.

The Group A (Inter-Company) teams are: Al Tarouk, Saudi Ericsson, Al Hokair, Al Hukaime, Al Othaim, Pizza Inn, Petromin ,Binladen Group, Saudi Asateer, DHL Express, Panda Mall and Coffee Essence.

In Group B (Jufalli Inter-Department) are : Saudi Ericsson, Jamed LVPD, Hyundai, Al Bazai, Maybach and GPT. In Group C (Inter-Automotive): JACO Mercedes Benz, Al Jomaih, Al Jazirah, Petromin, BMW, Jaguar-Range Rover, Samaco and United Motors.

The Inter-Company will have a single round elimination format while the Inter-Department and Inter-Automotive will have double elimination. Games will be played Thursdays and Fridays starting 5 p.m. at the Juffali Compound on Khurais Road. Officiating referees are members of the Saudi Arabian Basketball Referee Association (SABRA).