KSA - Samahang Ilocano, Saudi Aircon post victories in UFSA-DBL

DAMMAM (Saudi Arabia Basketball Federation)–Samahang Ilocano eked out a 59-51 victory over Nesma Holding Company, while Saudi Aircon ambushed Al Sagger 91-83 as the elimination round of United Filipino Sports Association- Dammam Basketball League Fiesta Conference continues at the Al Nahda Sports Club in this city.

Despite their sluggish showing at the start of the game and the early shower shots from Nesma five, the Ilocadia were able to keep their composure and were hardly challenged towards the end of the game; posting their second win in three outings.

Samahang Ilocano banked on slot man Verick Ruiz 20-point performance, Norlie Briones high leaping rebounds, Melvin Borje’s rock solid defense while Charlie Rapanut and Allan Silen’s assists to overpower pesky Nesma squad. Aggressive defense and consistent shots padded their victory from the opening tiff off.

The boys of Freddie Cabagbag remained at striking distance throughout the match trailing by as much as 9 points in some occasions but slowly climbed into the lead after Nesma squad suffered scoring drought in the third canto.

Nesma’s Edgar Dungca went to an abysmal performance with 15 points, while team mates William Pamador, Benjie Villano, Louie Delos Reyes and Carlo Lauban combined 22 points.

The tournament is being sponsored by Fahd Alireza Engineering Consultants and Universal Motors Agencies, supported by Trading Est. of Al Bahar distributor of W.L. Super Bawang, Skyfreight Forwarders, Smart GMA Pinoy Plus, and Mc Donald’s Resturant.

In another match, Ricardo Parale essayed a monstrous 19-points performance as Saudi Aircon finally picks up win over lethargic Al Sagger with 91-83 win.

Parale quickly made his presence felt right at the opening tip when he score the first 4 points of Saudi Aircon finishing the period with 8 points.But Sagger’s tandem of Louie Dela Cruz and Bong Garcia kept Sagger in front after 20 minutes with their inside power plays.

Falling behind by 10, 48-38, at the turn, Reynante Juario and Troy Rabara anchored a searing 17-5 blitz to the start the third canto to gain the upper hand, 65-58, going into the final period.

In the last quarter of regulation, the Saudi Aircon refusing to let down their arms, had another 6-0 run, with Dennis Isurda, Lory Diaz and Raul Palencia at the helm, and gave the Aircon Specialist a commanding 8-point in the dying minutes. Parale put cherry on the ice cream by converting a basket before the time buzzer.

Meanwhile, the second edition of Saudi Arabian Dream games will be on May 9, 2008 wherein four teams from four cities of Saudi Arabia will vie for the title series of Dream Games Champions.

The Dreams Games 2008 will feature top and celebrated basketball superstars from Riyadh, Jeddah, Jubail and Dammam respectively.

By: KIM G. CORTEZ

FIBA