FAEC Seniors are now the reigning basketball power in the Eastern Province when they clinched recently the Fahad Alireza Cup 2013 at the Al-Nahda Sports Club here.

FAEC routed NPC Pipers in the championship game, 89-65, behind the heroics of star player Jessie Mapanao who pumped in 32 big points. Mapanao also won the Best Player of the Game award.

Cris Manalili, Alex Almario, and Mathew Carney also contributed in double-digits for a combined 40 big points to lift FAEC to a lopsided win. The first half ended 41-34 to FAEC. Anthony Nabong and Marbin Macalalad scored 17 and 13 points, respectively, for NPC.

The stadium was jampacked with Filipino basketball enthusiasts as the four-team showdown also showcased two equally strong teams – Al Nahda Club of Saudi Arabia and the Al Qadisiah Club from Bahrain.

FAEC edged the Saudis, 87-84, while NPC trounced the Bahrainis, 70-54, in the first day of the qualification games. The Al Nahda Club later on defeated the Al Qadisia , 86-55, in their battle for third place.

The two-day event was organized by the Filipino Arabian Basketball Association (FABA) as an exhibition break for the benefit of basketball aficionados who are weekly watching the Kingdom Dream Games Part 2.

“We are very happy for the turnout of the exhibition games. This is the biggest event for this year which we provided to all our avid fans, supporters and followers,” said FABA Chairman Abdulaziz ‘Jawo’ Dizon.

The other FABA officials are Commissioner Ely Panahon, and directors Ding Arana, PR; Mark Dizon, Finance; and Caloy Mereria, Technical. Committee officials are Jojo Dale Carlos Dizon, Robert Bantilan, Gil Colegado, Ozzy de la Cruz, Toto Iremedio, and adviser Victor de los Santos.