RIYADH, 11 January — Transcon Cargo overpowered Al Munajem 83-88 to qualify for the semifinal round of the Riyadh Basketball League (RBL) Inter-Company basketball tournament held at the Al Yamamah hotel.
The dynamic duo of Quiambao and Gomez scored 12 and 8 points in the fourth quarter that gave them victory over the fast and determined Al Munajem squad.
Though both teams received sufficient back up from the bench, the more cohesive and experienced Transcon, coached by V. Paule and B. Pangan, capitalized on the charities from the free throw line in the last minute of the fourth quarter. Quiambao and Gomez scored 26 and 17 points for the game. Z. Paule, Lapastora and Laxa who scored 11 points each backed them. J. Santos and N. Sanchez added 4 and 3 points respectively.
Nomer Pleno of Al Munajem managed by Jun Locsin and Lito Laurente, scored a game high 29 points and was backed by Baylon and Aris De los Reyes who scored 10 and 12 points. The first quarter end up in a deadlock and Al Munajem managed to grab a 3-point lead at the half. But the third quarter went on with battle of tactics and power play.
Al Munajem’s big guys begin to feel the pressure from Transcons defense. Even as the likes of Rene de Lima, Tony Pascua, and Jay Montehermoso did their share they just ran out of time and coach Gerry Zamora failed to made adjustments in the crucial point of the game and cost them the game.
Meanwhile, Jeff Baybay scored 20 points that gave Yamaha Al Dawliah fine victory over Metro Star Cargo, 78-75. Yamaha Al Dawliah was down 3 points at the end of the first quarter and 9 points at the half.
The Metro Star cohesively limited Yamaha from the first to the third quarter. Maquilan led the Metro Star by scoring 14 points and backed by Frugal and Eusibio who scored 12 and 11 points.
Julius Morales scored his 12-point output in the fourth quarter of the game that gave them the opportunity to reach deadlock in the crucial minutes of the game. Coach Joe Dela Cruz bank on Morales and Ramil Labanancia in the beginning of the last quarter that has paid off too well. The last minutes of the game have been characterized by power play and foul baiting. Two of Nilo Odicta’s (Metro Star Express team coach) boys went on foul trouble and one was fouled out. Yamaha Al Dawliah snatched the victory with a lean 2 points.
Paradise Catering win over TFC by default.
The following are the scores: Transcon — Quiambao 26, Gomez 17, Z. Paule 11, J. Lapastora 11, R. Laxa 11, J. Santos-4, N. Sanchez 3. Al Munajem — Pleno 29, Baylon 12, Delos Reyes 10, De Lima 9, Pascua 8, Monterihamoso 7, Caducoy 3.
Yamaha — Baybay 20, J. Morales 12, Libramonte 9, De Leon 8, Labanancia 8, Manigbas 8, Cosio 6, Alvarez 5, Cabangis 2. Metro Star — Maquilan-14, Frugal 12, Eusebio-11, Zabala 10, Dalisay 10, Talens 10, Pituc 4, Yalung 2, Vista 2.
Referees: Riyadh Basketball Group (RGB) Mike Babasa (chairman) Marlon Dulin, Nelson Tumaliwan, Felix Cadungog, Eddie Espinosa & Egay Somera, Nelson Tumaliwan, Romel Sandoval , Romy Cabilite , & Eddie Japor.
Team standings: Yamaha Al Dawliah (5-1), (5-1), Paradise Catering Transcon Cargo (4-2), Metro Star Express (3-3), Almunajem (1-4). TFC (0-5).
Schedule (final round): Friday, Jan. 11, at 4:00 p.m., Yamaha Al dawliah vs. Paradise; 6:00 p.m. Metro Star Express vs. Transcon Cargo. The 2nd Inter-Company Cup 2001 is organized by the Riyadh Basketball League (RBL) composed of Abdulrahman Rolly Buenafe, chairman; Waleed Hansie Timbang, president, vice president-internal, Willy Dula, external Roel Langit; Ariel Bernal secretary; treasurer, Ramon Quina; director for public affairs Sony Tolop; director for administration, Bernardo Dacles, Ed Manansala, director of logistics & peace and security, Noel Guevarra director for technical affairs, Arnold Trinidad, director for Utilities; Val Cabrera & Pacho Caliao, technical officers.
Tournament Commissioner Egay Somera, Graphic Artist — Virgilio Salvador; advisers: Teng Navarro, Egay Gravidez, Antonio Velo Cesar Saavedra & Noli Ritual. Board of directors; Jojo Luyun, Romy Obena, Nilo Odicta, Jun Babadillo, Romy Patagnan, Abdullah Lising, Ver Paule, Jamal Bargouty, Joe Dela Cruz. Joel Magpantay.
The sponsors are: Antonio Velo Jr. & Joel Magpantay; Pinoy Super Market, Pinoy Bakeshop & Arrha Express Joseph Magdalena; Al-Mohr International Cargo, George Manalansan & Roel Langit, Al-Zagel Cargo, Roque Jorda; SkyFreight Forwarders International, Jimmy Hugo; the pioneer, trusted and reliable cargo forwarders in the Kingdom, Metro Star Cargo, Rommy Ocbena; Riyadh Hamed Albuthi Muhammad Salem Bakhaswain, Muhammad Alyafai, Gulf Necklace Est. for Jewelry. Nesma Internet, Osama Najjar & John Ong. ANB Telemoney, Jamal Alrief.
Meanwhile, the RBL has launched its 1st Open Invitational Cup 2002, 3rd inter-company, 58 below and 40 above on Feb. 8. And soon to be uploaded the RBL website (www.rbl-sa.com) the first ever basketball organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia having a website. The RBL will bring you closer to the world.
Further, chairman said, he would like to invite the basketball aficionados here in Riyadh to watch regularly every Friday at 4 p.m. and many valuable prizes to be won for the lucky spectators. For inquiries, contact the following: Abdulrahman Rolly Buenafe Mobile; 053150370, Tel: 4671203-05 Waleed Hansie Timbang’ Mobile: 053237952; Egay Somera Tel: 2914406 & 4358710 Sony Tolop Tel: 4356324.
