The seedings played true as Al Yamama Warrriors and Saudi European Expo (SEE), the top two semifinalists, defeated their rivals to set up a championship showdown in the 1st Maskan Arabia Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Maskan Arabia Camp court on the outskirts of Riyadh.

In the first semifinal, No. 2 SEE, coached by L. Villanueva with L. Ramirez as assistant coach, defeated third-ranked Al Hammadi 79-61 taking control with a big second half where it tallied 23 third quarter points and a further 22 in the fourth period.

The ever reliable A. Cabarrrubias led the SEE offense with 23 points. N. Lumabi contributed 16 points, M. Martin added 14 and J.P. Gaylan had 11.

Hammmadi of coach TJ Ferrer and assistant coach Sonny Armada drew 16 points from A. Castañeda but only had one other player, W. Agustin, in double figures with 10 points.

Powerhouse Al Yamama Warriors , the No. 1 after the eliminations, escaped an upset to beat No. 4 Al Bustan Spurs 86-85 in a nail-biting finish in the second semifinal.

Bundoc was scoreless in the first quarter but went to work in the last three periods to finish with 25 points at the helm of the Warriors who also drew 16 points from Escobia, 9 from Patrocinio and 8 from Nabo.

Bustan mentored by coach Carlito Baslag and his assistant Sydney Cendrada was led by Melvin Glori with 22 points. Guillermo added 12, Brosoto Robinson had 11 and Josue contributed 10 points.

Hammadi and Spurs face each other in the knockout game for third place.

This year’s 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.