Kudu showed who was the better team in the end. Forced to play a third game decider after a 75-72 second game win by Nadec in the best-of-three title series, Mostafa Hamadeh’s Kudu squad hammered out a decisive 106-96 victory last Friday to capture the

2nd Non-Rated Intercompany championship crown before a jampacked crowd at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers rubberized court here.

The strong combination of Fernando Pasig, James Brian Coronado, Bhutu Orlina, center Bernard Fabila, rebounder Fundador Aguinaldo, Paul Romero, and Marc Fabello as well as smart play of new recruit Darius

Cac with his 27 points made the difference for Kudu in the game it controlled from the get go.

Nadec could only tie the score at 74 in the third quarter and otherwise it was all Kudu.

The awarding ceremony followed immediately. The awardees based on the results of players’ individual statistics were: Michael Calma of Al Hokair highest single scorer, Bhutu Orlina highest in steal, James Brian Coronado highest in block shot, Fundador Aguilnaldo highest in rebound, Fernando Pasig highest in steal are all from Kudu and Norman Canas of Al Hokair highest in 3-points, while the most disciplined player was Joel Tarin of Nadec and the most discipline team was Riyadh Marriott Hotel which was also won the Best Team in Uniform award.

Named to the Mythical five selection were Best Guads Michael Calma (Al Hokair) and Kim Tiong (Nadec) Best Forwards Fernando Pasig and James Brian Coronado both from Kudu, the Best Center Jerole Claveria of Nadec was also adjudged the Rookie of the League while Fernando Pasig of Kudu was the Most Valuable Player. The Best Manager was Ruel Pugay and the Best Coach was Orly Casimero.

The individual awardees each received trophy in addition to home appliance. The MVP Fernando Pasig and Rookie Jerole Claveria received special home appliances with meal voucher for 2 from Sizzler House courtesy of Randy Assistin and minor gift from B.T.C courtesy of Francisco Duran.

With Chairman Carlos Ollero in the organizing committee are Jess Lumanog, chairman of the Technical Committee, TC members Rene Delos Reyes, table officials Allan Delos Reyes, who is the play-by-play announcer, Joney Calibo (electronic scoreboard operator) Eli Fallorin (game clock operator) Anthony Concepcion and Richard Dela Cruz (scorers).

The committee would like to extend its thanks and appreciation to Cesar Morales, Ruel Pugay, Randy Assistin, Mostafa Hamadeh, Francis Duran and the official officiating arm of the league for the last 25 years now, FCBR referees, through Ernie Dela Cruz and Mohd. Ed Tamayo who provided the glittering trophies.

The tournament for the benefit of the children of UNICEF enjoys the generous support of Paul C. Dunphy, Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers GM, Sizzler House through Randy Assistin, Kudu through Mostafa Hamadeh and BTC through Francis Duran who all helped make the tournament a big success.

The scores:

Kudu (106) D. Cac 27, J. B. Coronado 16, B. Fabila 15, B. Orlina 15, F. Aguinaldo 11, F. Pasig 10, 11, P. Romero 5, M. Faila 4, R. Piodos 2, G. Mortiz 1.

Nadec (96) K. Tiong 27, J. Claveria 14, R. Acosta 13, J. Dela Pena 12, V. Sayo 9, J. Tarin 7, N. Talavera 7, R. Nubla 5, J. Tatao 2

Refs.: Ernie Dela Cruz, Raul Caluracan and Mohd. Ed Tamayo