RIYADH: The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Legends scored an 88-76 win over Riyadh All Stars in a thrilling encounter that had the fans at the packed Riyadh Sports Club, Wadi Laban stadium, Riyadh, at the edge their seats.

However, the Legends went down fighting to FAEC (Eastern Province) 112-106 in the other match played at the Qadisiyah Sports Club, Al-Khobar.

The exhibition matches played earlier this month, were organized by the Filipino Athletes and Performers Society (FAPS)

The veterans, who traveled from Manila to Saudi Arabia, received a warm welcome both in Dammam and Riyadh by OFWs, who were not only looking forward for long-awaited game but also posed for photographs with their favorite stars.

This year’s exhibition game was their third performance in Saudi Arabia during which they also enjoyed the country’s hospitality, rich heritage and history.

According to the organizer, Charlotte Villones, nearly 1,000 tickets were sold. The event was sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier and Cebuana Direct.

“Dubbed “Hoop and Rap in Riyadh”, Blckmrkt International headed by Jeff Donnel Gungon tapped Filipino Athletes and Performers Society to spearhead the biggest sports event in the Kingdom,” said Villones.

The PBA Legends — Marlou Aquino, Kenneth Duremdes, EJ Feihl, Bal David, Noli Locsin, Jerry Codinera and Gherome Ejercito displayed some of their vintage dribbles and moves that thrilled the spectators.

“Our Filipino basketball fanatics spend their time watching their favorite basketball stars from the Philippines, as they go along, some of the famous artists showcase their talents and entertain the audience during the opening ceremony, Bassilyo, Delio, G-Clown and Crazymix who rap from the top” said Villones.

He said the organization’s main objective is to give the other side of sports entertainment, and emphasize to build a Filipino connection to our Kababayan.

The organized expressed thanks to the main sponsor and individual; Arnold Dela Cruz of Flash Cargo, AKRHO, SMPII and FAPS president Leo Encarnacion who made the event historic and successful.