JGC Samurai played steadier in the fourth quarter and then held off Thomas & Betts in overtime, 80-76, in Inter-Company Group B, as the latter slumped to its third straight defeat in the 15th UFBF Open Basketball tournament Friday at the Al Qadisia sports gymnasium here.

Playing without its main man, Michael Catimbang, who was serving a one-game suspension, Thomas & Betts looked poised for an upset win over Samurai after taking a 60-56 lead into the final two minutes. But Samurai’s Ronnel Marfil, who had only 10 points in the game, was unfazed by Betts’ stingy defense and in total command of his team for a full-court press making it hard for its opponent to get the offensive rebounds in the payoff period and two of its main men in foul trouble.

Silent operator Rhod Razalan pumped in 11 of his 29 points in the second quarter while getting enough lift from Eric Galang (18 points) and three other starters – Gerry Caranto, Alfuad Naco and Vincent Almendral — combining for 21 points.

Thomas & Betts, however, leaned on the exploits of Dennis Bedico, who finished with 28 points, and Ronnie Suacillo’s 18 markers, who combined in a needed six-to-nothing run to pull them within one, 45-46, a thte end of third quarter after coming off a second quarter setback, 34-29. Ruel Cordero and Richie Ancheta each scored 8 points in a losing effort.

Down by four, 63-67, with just 36:3 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Bedico completed a steal and Suacillo knocked down a perimeter shot after Samurai’s Caranto forced a traveling violation at the turn, sending the game in overtime 67-all.

Both teams battled strong in the extra period, went scoreless in the first two minutes until Samurai’s Razalan drilled a jumper and another basket from Marfil and Galang’s fade-away shot made it 73-67, 2:45 minutes left in the game. Bett’s Jay-R Ventura then intercepted the hand-off pass by Razalan and quickly passed to Bedico who made the uncontested shot for a 73-69, with 1:02 to go.

With 19 seconds left on the clock, Razalan split his free throws for 78-76, then Betts forced another turnover when play resumed leading to two more freebies from Naco off Ancheta’s foul.

Zamil Group of Rey Hassan Morales gave its all to beat Zamil Industrial, 79-73, in a high profile encounter managed separately by two basketball buffs in Inter-Company Group A.

Louie Villa led Zamil Group with 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists – the last at 1:05 left for Antonio Mara’s quick pass going for an easy basket for a 76-71 lead in the last quarter.

With Villa playing with tremendous intensity, and drawing strong support from Mara (19 points), Ahmed Al-Shaik (15 points) and Wilfred Molina (10 points), Zamil Group took a 21-20 first quarter lead. Zamil Industrial then took control of the second canto to hit the turn in front, 33-30.

Villa knotted the game 35-all with a layup shot to start the third quarter, but Miguel Placino nailed a long three, then baskets from Sherwin Margallo ang Bong Libramonte had Zamil on a 7-0 run to grab back the lead , 42-35. That forced a time-out from the Zamil Group side that only resulted in two points off Aly Mila’s basket at the turn. After the two teams exchanged baskets inside the five-minute mark, Zamil went to its dish and drive offense with Mara spinning to the basket for two and ended the third quarter with a triple of his own for a 56-54 lead. In a see-saw fourth quarter the game was tied three times, the last at 70-70 on Zamil Industrial’s Rolly Valenzuela’s basket, 3:34 left in the game. Molina completed a three-point play to push Zamil on top, 73-70.

Libramonte was fouled by Mila on the other end and made a split free-throw to come within two, 71-73, but Dullavin responded with one foul-shot, then Ahmed got the offensive rebound on Zamil Industrial miss and drove to the basket for the game-clinching layup shot.

Other game results: Nesma & Partners demolished ACGC, 82-53, Cyber Dudes 2 beat Alpha Male, 82-78, Saipem defeated Arcon, 87-75, Rashed Good Year dumped RGCF-Nesma Griffins, 77-66 and Al Osais thrased Al Hilal, 85-54.