The 27th Season 2nd Conference of the Eastern Province Basketball League in partnership with Fahd Alireza Engineering Consultants officially unfolded in a new opening day hype on Friday, as Sadara basketball team topped 32 other teams during the colorful parade at Ittifaq Club gymnasium.

Sadara garbed in full basketball suits made their way as the Most Organized team followed by Al Iman Gasket Factory and Zamil Tikas.

FAEC Human Resources Manager Edward Francis graced the opening. “We appreciate EPBL’s way of handling the tournament, we trust EPBL and FAEC will be supporting its future tournaments,” Francis said in his speech.

In the game opener, newcomer Bahrain Philippine Cargo cagers downed Beeah of Jubail squad, 90-74, to register their first win in Open League category. Mark Millena led the charge with 23 points, John Supan and Rey Millena added 12 points apiece while Bryan Rosales chipped in 10 points for the win. Eric Calderon almost single handedly carried Beeah team with a game high 33 points, but only Dennis dela Cruz helped him in scoring with 12 points.

In the other game, Saipem Snamprogetti won against Sadara 85-81, while ACBI Tankers defeated defending Intercompany B champion Electrical Industries Company, 59-55.

Participating teams: Open League – ARCC-EEI, FAEC, Dharan Basketball Association, National Pipe Company, Arcan East-West, FAEC B team, Khobar Warriors, ARCC-EEI B team, Beeah, Bahrain Philippine Cargo, PCB Bulldogs, Sharbatly, Trainors Technology. Intercompany League – Al Othman Group, Al Majdouie A team, FEMCO, Issam Kabbani, Saipem A team, Saudi Ready Mix, Al Ittefaq Steel Product Company, Zamil Tikas, ACBI Tankers, EIC, Arabian Point Eight Power Company, Star Taqa, Al Iman Gasket Company, Panda, SNC-Lavalin Fayez Engineering, Sadara, Saipem Snamprogetti 2, PROCARE, Mustang and Al Majdouie 2.