JEDDAH: The JBL opened its first project for 2016 dubbed Titan Watch – JBL Basketball Tournament last Friday at the Khalidia basketball court here.

Twenty participating teams paraded in their resplendent uniforms during the opening ceremony which JBL President Mohammed Rasheed Suyat and JBL Tournament Director Donald Doloso presided.

Ali Ajlaani of Al Aziziyah Islamic Center started the ceremony with his inspiring welcome address conveying Al Azizia Islamic Center programs through sports. Coach Rey Madattu of Khights Team led the oath of sportsmanship. Mahmoud Quidlat gave inspirational Islamic invocation while Baba Ahmad Peradilla and Ali Lumanog had their Islamic sharing during salah time.

The awards for the Best Team in uniform went to Fame Thunders (Miramonte Brother) and Old Dawgs (Elmer Tendero), Jedsa 16 (Dennis Hizole) and Cinnabon (Jhun Ducusin) and Best Mascot to VICCM, Jeddah Titans, Old Dawgs, Jedsa 16 and Cinnabon.

In the opening game, Fame Thunder of Miramonte Brothers pulled away in the fourth quarter to crush VICCM 100-74. It was a tight ballgame up to third quarter. VICCM lost steam in the final quarter as Fame Thunder continue their run-and-gun offense. Legarde top-scored with 23 points for Fame and was adjudged as the Titan Best Player of the game while Dela Cuadra scored 30 points for VICCM.

This tournament is principally sponsored by Titan Watch of Al Hussaini & Al Yahya Investment Group (Othman Al-Husssaini). The co-sponsors are Al Aziziyah Islamic Center (Sheikh Ahmad & Sheikh Ali Ajlani), Mandhoubiyah Islamic Propagation Office, Jeddah Dawah Center, Giordano Fashions (Ahmadullah), Ric Printing and Arabnews.

In the 40 & Above division, Cinnabon of team manager Jhun Ducusin beat Panino’s 74-55. Cinnabon displayed excellent teamwork in the whole game. Panino’s playing first time at Khalidia court missed important baskets in the fourth quarter. Encabo had 20 points for Cinnabon and was adjudged as the JBL Best Player of the game while Elmer Tendero chipped in 15 points for Panino’s.

Khalidia Aces of coach Ronnie thumped Malmon 97-66. Khalidia players showed their offensive skills in the whole game using home the home court advantage to the hilt. Malmon, a new team on the block, committed crucial errors in the final quarter. Serrano and Claridad scored 19 points apiece for Khalidia Aces and were adjudged as Titan best Players of the game while Sena and Garcia led Malmon with 14 points apiece.

Meanwhile, in Gensoul Basketball Tournament, Junior Orange and Senior White won their knockout games for the third place. Harrieth Pandapatan (Juniors) and Nelson Umlas (Seniors) were adjudged as the best players of the game. Midget Grey captured the championship crown in the Midget Division by 77-59 and 46-30 beating the Black Team. Alexander Adam Romualdo was adjudged as the Best Player of the game. Senior Yellow beat Black 89-84 to advance in the best-of-three championship. Jayon Ricamara was adjudged as the Best Player of the game.