Al Yamama Warriors brought down two hitherto unbeaten teams in Saudi European Expo (SEE) and Al Bustan to create a three-way tie for the lead after the fifth week in the 1st Maskan Arabia Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Maskan Arabia Camp on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The Warriors, at 4-1 at the start of the games, took down heavily favored SEE 77-67 Thursday then followed this big win with a 91-86 triumph over Bustan.

These results coupled with SEE’s 85-56 rout of Nesma KAFD left the Warriors, SEE and Bustan tied at 5-1.

The quartet of Escobia,Lasquite, Nabo and Bundoc with 13, 12, 11 and 10 points led the Warriors past SEE which drew 14 and 13 points from A. Cabarrubias an J. P. Gaylan.

Against Bustan it was Escobia that shone brightest again for the Warriors with 22 points followed by Nabo with 20 points.

SEE used a 38-point fourth quarter against KAFD to avenge its first loss of the tournament from the Warriors.

Princess Nora Snappers enjoyed a weekend double stopping Nesma KAFD 109-103 and banking on a stonewall defense to beat Maskan Maintenance 92-58. The victories improved Princess Nora’s record to 2-4.

Maskan HO struggled for long spells before squeezing out a last-gasp win over Nesma NEO 74-72 with George Abalorio scoring a game-high 30 points, garnished with several spectacular assists and iron-clad defense.

Dondie Ranain top-scored with 36 points and Alvin Mique supported him with 20 as Samama won against Nesma Neo 98-92.

Al Hammadi also gained some ground following its 84-65 triumph over Safid in the night’s last game. It was Hammadi’s third win in five games.

The Organizing Committee members are George Abalorio, Edmund David, Rommel Macalit, Esikiel Gracia, Carlito Baslag, Lemuel Gomotay, Jessie and Bong Anulacion.

Maskan Arabia is this year’s main sponsor, with all participating teams as co-sponsors.

Team standings:

Al Bustan 5-1, Saudi European Expo 5-1, Yamam Warriors 5-1, Hammadi 3-2, Samama 3-3, Nesma KAFD 3-4, Maskan HO 2-4, Princess Nora Snappers 2-4 , Maskan Maintenance 1-3, Safid 1-3, Nesma NEO 1-6