JEDDAH, 28 December — Fitaihi Jewelers beat Seiko-Electro Industries 71-57 to lift the championship trophy of the Inter-Company bona fide category of the Seiko-JBL basketball tournament held at Crowne Plaza hotel basketball court.
Fitaihi Jewelers played like a new overhauled machine, run all over the floor for almost 40 minutes and decided to end the series. Seiko-Electro Industries push hard and tried to keep the game at bay but every time they unleashed a rally Fitaihi Jewelers with the help of their supporters boost their morale regroup and wisely used the clock.
Nonoy Guarra a contender for Most Valuable Player took control of the game in the final quarter and scored 29 points for Fitaihi Jewelers while Rick Belarmino another MVP contender scored 24 points for Seiko-Electro Industries.
In the Inter-Commercial category, Al Arabi Décor escaped a near defeat at the hands of Samba Speedcash 69-61 to claim the championship crown of the Inter-Commercial category.
Samba Speedcash almost extended the best-of-three series into Game 3. With only 3 minutes remaining in the final quarter, Samba Speedcash was ahead by 6 points until Muhammad Attiah their big man commit the fifth and final foul.
Al Arabi Décor took the opportunity and applied the run and gun offense with a 10-0 blast and took control of the driver’s seat. It was a fiesta like atmosphere in the court when Al Arabi Décor overtake the lead with Barangay Al Arabi rejoicing after every basket made by their team.
Almost the basketball court is filled by Capampangans to support their town mate Al Arabi Décor. Sunga top score with 21 points supported by De Jesus with 14 points for the winner while Garcia scored 20 points for the losers.
Seiko-JBL awarding ceremony was held on the Dec. 18, right after the Battle of the champion, Westin Hotel bannered by Jonh Gatchalian and Anthony Fuentebella was fitted against the Capampangan lead Al Arabi decor, champion of Inter-Commercial category.
This tournament is principally sponsored by Seiko Al Hussaini & Company courtesy of Abdulrahman Al Husseini and Muhammad Ali Taleb. Other companies supporting this tournament are Jeddah Crowne Plaza Hotel (Muhammad Al Harthy), Malaysia Airlines (Morad Omar), Alhamrani — Fuchs Petroleum Saudi Arabia (Sulaiman Al Hulayil), Sigma Paints (Danny Quiambao), Giordano Fashions (MAK Jeelani), Samba Speedcash and Al Haddaf Sportswear.
Meanwhile, the JBL with Sames Pest Control will open their first project for the year 2002 on Jan. 11 at the Sames Pest Control basketball court, Bagdadiyah District. The tournament is open for Bonafide team and Open non-rated Inter-Commercial team. Registration is open at Sames Pest Control basketball court. For details, contact Muhammad Rasheed Suyat (mobile-053-611016) and Honorio Baligasa (642-1496).
