John Supan exploded for a season-high 31 points as Saipem Taqa Al-Rushaid Fabricators Co. Ltd. (Star Taqa) slipped past Zamil Tikaz 90-84 in Inter-Company Division in the 27th season of the Eastern Province Basketball League dubbed FAEC Cup at Al Ittifaq Gymnasium here.

The sweet-shooting guard knocked in 13 points in the fourth quarter including a lone triple that tied the game at 84-all with 1:47 seconds remaining and Star Taqa held on to score the last six points of the ball game.

Zamil Tikaz, playing aggressive basksetball in the first three quarters, led the game entering the fourth quarter with a 69-61 advantage but could not finish off their rivals in light of a pressure defense ordered by Star coach Junifer Tinaco.

Jonar Anuada supported Supan, finding his range to score 28 points highlighted by two consecutive baskets in the waning seconds that made the difference. Playmaker Carlos Antona had nine points o along with seven assists for the Star win.

Bong Libramonte led Tikaz with 23 points, Sherwin Margallo added 22, and Miguelito Placino had 15 points for the former champions.

Meanwhile, in another interesting game, Arabian Point Eight Power Company (APEP) nailed its second consecutive win against ACBI Tankers 66-63, behind James Chua’s 22 points and six assists.

Sharbatly eked out a convincing 92-89 victory against Beeah in League C with five players in double digits led by Jerwell Gabrador and Mclean Lontoc with 21 points apiece. National Pipe Company registered its first win in the Premier e League with a 96-86 win against Fahd Alireza Engineering Consultants.