KSA - 35 Teams to fight for UMA Basketball Challenge Cup

DAMMAM (UMA Basketball Challenge Cup) - The Third season of United Filipino Sports Association/Dammam Basketball League dubbed as "Universal Motors Agency - Heroes Cup" kicks off at the crowded Al Nahda Sports Club here.

Thirty Five teams paraded with their splendid uniform wherein Nalco team took the Best in Uniform plum, while Miss Mhalet Edem representing Safami Team stole the limelight when she bested other contestant and proclaimed Miss UFSA-DBL Heroes Cup 2007. Best Organized Team went to Fahad Alireza.

The tournament which will run for Four months is being sponsored by Universal Motors Agency, Sky Freight Forwarders, Skyline International Cargo, Al Bahar Restaurant, Mc Donalds Restaurant, Chowking Restaurant, BAI Aluminum Façade Specialist, The Filipino Channel (TFC), Mediacom International, and GMA Pinoy Plus.

During the opening ceremonies, Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia His Excellency Ambassador Antonio Villamor, thanked all participating teams and congratulated the organizing committee headed by Tournament Chairman Ely Panahon and Tournament Commissioner Jojo Dizon.

"We, in UFSA-DBL are committed to bring fun, excitement with entertainment using our favorite sports - basketball, Tanny Delis, UFSA-DBL Director General as he quoted as saying. "Filipinos are pro-active and health conscious that's why we are staging a yearly event to come closer to our fellow expat." Delis added.

Universal Motors Agencies Business Development Manager Salim Khan graced the opening ceremonies and delivered his patronage speech while Hon. Philippine Labor Attache to the Eastern Region David Des Dicang encouraged the organizer to continue doing this noble task.

The well attended opening ceremony was hosted by Jojo Dizon, while the Basketball Referee Association in Dammam will officiate the entire league.
The tournament was officially opened by UFSA-DBL Finance Director Victor Delos Santos; following by Oath of Sportsmanship presided by Team Captain William Solano representing MMG.
In the opening game, the powerhouse cast of Universal Motors Agency drawing premium performances from Sky jumper Freddie Silva, Rudy Tabligan and Three Point Specialist Michael Herosa, cruised to an easy 81-64 victory over Insuns Selection.

UMA poured everything it got from the onset and blasted the undermanned Insuns squad to open their third conference campaign.

Insuns five managed to close the gap as Marvin Maniago triggered the rally pumping 8 straight points at the start of the second canto while Verick Ruiz and ace defender Ryan Africa chipped in 12 and 10 points respectively. However, the rally was short-lived as UMA's top gunners Silva and Tabligan countered consecutive unanswered points.

In another game, Dammam Warriors proved to be the team to beat this season as they recorded a lopsided win of 82-44 over Nalco team.

Warrior's wingman Manuel Imelda and Joel Espino chipped in 17 points apiece while John Cortez and Florence Gomez combined 25 points.

For the Nalco, Joey Kabigting and Jimmy Pasamba shared 27 points while Marlon Galo contributed 10 points. No other player of Nalco recorded double digits.

In another action, Bin Quraya downed Safami, 75-46 to pick up their early win.

Completing the roster of participating teams are W.L. Foods Super Bawang, Al Khatlan, MMG, Safami, APSCO, Arabian Nights, Balubaid, Barkada San Miguel, Bin Quraya - Rental Division, Bisdak Foundation, Carlson Cargo, Chowking Restaurant, Dammam Warrior, Eastern Pak, Fahad Alireza, Al Debras Co., Nuggets, Gentec, GRCF Redeemer, Saihat-Qatif 40's, Insuns Redmanizers, Insuns Selection, Nalco, Pangasinan Waves, Rizal Pirates, Saudi Ready Mix, Sing Dollar, Nights of Tamimi, Taseco, Al Tuwairqi Group, Tropang Khobar, UFSA-DBL Old Star, Unified Company, BAI Aluminum and UMA Selection.

By Kim G. Cortez
FIBA