Saudia Catering, Marriott and Pirates win openers

Mohammad Rasheed Suyat

JEDDAH — The Jeddah Basketball League opened its 2012 JBL 2nd Conference Non-Rated Basketball Tournament at the Bin Mahfouz basketball court here recently with Saudi Arabian Catering Company, Marriott Hotel and Red Sea Pirates winning their first games.

Participating teams paraded in their resplendent uniforms during the opening ceremony. Jameel Lumanog of Jeddah Dawa’h Center said the opening prayers.

The awards for the Best in Uniform went to ALJ Toyota, Marriott Hotel and STC Terabytes. Claiming the Best Mascot award were Saudia Aviations and Viagra Naghi. Best Muse awards went to DHL Express and Leylati.
Saudi Arabian Catering Company beat MODA 68-67 in overtime. Both teams put on a skillful display. The winner was leading by as many as 18 points up to third quarter, when MODA managed to trim down the lead drastically in the final quarter.

MODA lost its key players to cramps as SACC displayed heart and converted its last offense to clinch the game. Zaide Lew Misal scored 16 points for SACC, but the Player of the Game went to Francis Fernandes.

He scored the winning basket in overtime. Roldan Bertolano and Reynold Borceque chipped in with 20 points apiece for MODA.

The tournament is sponsored by Giordano Fashions (Ahmedullah), ABS-CBN – The Filipino Channel, Saudi Signs (Sam Adora), Al-Haddaf Sportsware (Bayoumi), Arab News and Wael Sports Wear (Noel).

In another match Marriott Hotel thrashed Leylati 80-34. Marriott GM John Louie, Chief Engineer Pambos Economides, Executive Chef Ajay Pant and HR Manager Das were at hand to cheer their players.

Aris Samson top-scored for Marriott with 19 points and was adjudged the Giordano Player of the Game. Lloyd Canaya scored 12 points for Leylati.
Another game saw Red Sea Pirates beat Mahmoud Gharib 62-46. Mahmoud Gharib missed important baskets in the final quarter as Red Sea Pirates’ playing coach Lito Relatado shuffled his players well. Bestudio led the winner with 10 points and was handed the Saudi Signs Player of the Game award. Chris Baniel scored 18 points for Mahmoud Gharib.