In an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation between the two sides with the best players in Jeddah, Friendster blinked to the Vipers during the game that mattered most in the TFC Kingdom Cup basketball tournament.
The Vipers watched Friendster crumble like a deck of cards in the last 2:02 to turn a tight game into a decisive 107-99 victory in Game 3 of the best-of-three series to decide the semifinal qualifier from the western region in the three months long competition featuring some of the big names in Filipino basketball in the Kingdom.
Stars also qualified during the last week of eliminations on Friday, closing out their own series after a 94-75 triumph over Blazers in the decider at the Al Yamama Sports Complex court. Stars won the series opener by 89-67 while the Blazers bounced back in the second game 78-77 to force Game 3.
The Stars demonstrated their readiness for the tough grind ahead in the decisive win against the Blazers thanks mainly to the trio of James Smith, Roel Asay and Sherwin Garcia.
Garcia and Smith emerged the best players during the Riyadh eliminations with total statistical points of 154 and 146 respectively.
Joining the Vipers and Stars in the double round robin home-and-away semifinals were Oilers who advanced the previous week by sweeping the series against Blazers.
The first game is set for today with the Oilers to host Stars at the Al Nahda Stadium in Dammam. Next Friday, the Oilers again play host to the FBA Vipers.
Joseph Ubalde enjoyed a double double performance of 26 points and 10 rebounds in addition to 4 shot blocks and 5 steals including one which he completed off Yoyong Akmad with 1:50 to play that sent the Vipers on the way to victory.
Before that play point guard Robby David’s free-throw actually started the venomous 12-2 run by the Vipers and dissolved the last deadlock at 95 and in which Friendster self-destructed with turnovers.
All told the deeper bench of the Vipers was the big difference — Ron Magat had his shooting touch back after an injury to finish with 24 points, David had 12 points and 6 assists and Ryan Aguam played tough defense and made 15 points to go with 6 assists, three rebounds and 4 steals including a big one off tall Mark Basa that he converted giving Vipers a six-point lead, 101-95, with 55 ticks left. Also, power forward Raymond Matias had 10 points and 6 rebounds for the Vipers team touted to have the younger players among the three qualifiers as it looks to go all the way to the championship under the guidance of veteran coach Boy Corsega and team manager Francis Magat.
Cris Melebo’s Friendster has had its moments, taking a 30-19 lead to close the first quarter and getting back in the game each time the Vipers would threaten to run away. Vipers head their first sizeable lead at 45-34 and a desperation three by Brian Adaya that swished the net put them ahead by 9 at 79-70 going into the final period.
Christian Guimpatan top-scored for the Friendster with 20 points, Jay Lim added 18 while Diego Domalogdog and Basa each had 14 points.
An overflow crowd came to watch the big game at the Sheraton Sports Complex court. Vipers leveled the series 96-90 last week after Friendster took the opener 100-92.
Vipers, Stars advance in TFC Kingdom Cup
Vipers, Stars advance in TFC Kingdom Cup
‘The standard keeps getting better year-on-year’: Simon Doull on DP World ILT20 growth
- ‘Every franchise wants quality wrist spin,’ says former New Zealand cricketer and DP World ILT20 commentator
DUBAI: The DP World ILT20 continues to strengthen as a competitive global league while playing a key role in the development of UAE and regional cricketers, according to former New Zealand international and tournament commentator Simon Doull.
“The standard in general has been great, and it’s getting better year-on-year. That’s one of the things that’s impressed me most,” he said.
Doull, who has been associated with the DP World ILT20 since the inaugural season, also credited the tournament for helping local talent.
“The standard of the local players is lifting, courtesy of being part of this tournament over the last two or three years. We’re seeing more of them being trusted with important roles, and that’s a real positive from this season,” Doull said.
“From a bowling point of view, I’ve been really impressed with Khuzaima Tanveer. He’s a guy I hadn’t seen much of before, but he’s got all the attributes to be a good international bowler when that time comes.
“He’s got good pace, good variations, and he’s used the facilities really well. He’s been a big part of why the Desert Vipers have been so strong this season.”
Doull pointed to consistent contributions from the experienced players. “You always look to your top-order players, and from my point of view Muhammad Waseem (335 runs and top scorer) has been very good again.”
He added: “From an all-rounder point of view, Sam Curran (323 runs) has been the standout for me. He’s contributed with both bat and ball, has seven wickets in the tournament and is scoring runs again.”
The former fast bowler believes the timing and structure of the tournament have worked well. “The window this year has been critical. It’s a great time of year to play and fits nicely into the calendar. I think it will only continue to improve.”
Doull welcomed the league’s expanding regional footprint, particularly the inclusion of one player from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in each franchise.
“The league started with a focus on developing UAE players, and now it’s expanding into regional growth. Being involved with franchises, training around experienced players, and taking that learning back home is crucial for lifting standards,” he said.
“Players must earn their spots. But standards won’t improve unless they’re included in some way. Over the next few years, you might see more opportunities coming as that development continues.”
Doull also praised the DP World ILT20 Player Development Initiative, which brought in seven African cricketers into franchise environments this season, for potentially impacting the broader ecosystem on the continent.
“For any young player who gets that opportunity, being able to train alongside international stars like Kieron Pollard, Phil Salt, Jason Roy and Liam Livingstone is massive.
“You pick their brains, have conversations after net sessions about what it takes to get a wicket against that type of player, and you take that knowledge and experience back with you to help others improve.”
The Dubai Capitals’ Waqar Salamkheil has emerged as the top wicket-taker with 17, and his left-arm wrist spin has put him on track to win the White Belt (Best Bowler) for a second time.
Doull is encouraged by the continued relevance of spin bowling in the T20 format.
“We once thought T20 cricket might be the death of spin, but that hasn’t been the case at all. Every franchise wants quality wrist spin, and these grounds are a great size to utilize it properly,” he added.
The top five run-getters this season have strike-rates below 135. Referring to this trend, Doull underlined the importance of cricketing awareness in modern T20 batting.
“It’s all about situational awareness. In the first innings, strike rate is vital. In a chase, if you win the game, it doesn’t bother me at all.”
