KSA - ACEC emerge champs in UFSA-DBL regional showdown

DAMMAM (UFSA-DBL Showdown) – The powerhouse Arabian Consulting Engineering Centre (ACEC) tagged "champion of all champions" as they crushed the illustrious United OFW Association – Al Hudaithy during the UFSA-DBL Regional Basketball Showdown 2006 at the jam-packed Al Nahda Sports Club in this city.

Hempel Paints was the major corporate sponsor of the two days event and hosted by the United Filipino Sports Association – Dammam Basketball League. Support sponsors were Tropical Food Center of Danny Paredes, Bai Alluminum, Skyfreight Forwarders and Mc Donald’s Restaurant.

"The idea was conceived with the belief that through basketball we can work together towards success and we will continue to support your league from A to Z," said Hempel Paints Marketing Manager Roger Rayla.

ACEC in no way showed signs of stuttering in their dominance of the regional showdown, after comfortable win, 104-83, in the first game against the mighty Al Wakeel Kings Dammam All Star Selection.

"On behalf of the entire Hempel Paints, I am happy to be part of this prestigious basketball tournament." said Rayla, in his inspirational speech.

ACEC control the board from the on set of the game and enhance their lead with 61-45 score before the third quarter. But the Riyadh team scraped back and cut the deficit 72-78 at the end of the third canto, as Palarong Pambansa Dhom Bravo made his presense felt with his back to back attacks including a triple that signal their challenge against Eastern Province best cager’s.

The Riyadh –Al Hudaithy, however, went defenseless against ACEC as ex-PBL and member of Mythical Five Omar Asmad sank long-range shots into the basket that helped the Consultants maintained their lead at Nine points in the fourth quarter.

ACEC’s and event MVP’s Allan De Castro stamped his mark on the match scoring 27 points and responsible for breaking Riyadh’s momentum in the last quarter, while Negros pride Albert Arenoy took the rank of all scorers with 17 points, White Datungputi chipped in 10 points while Eldrin Simpas, Rolly Bisda, Arthur Palima, Ishnor Manabilang and Ramil Zarandin shared the score of 29 points.

Riyadh sensation Jojo Custodio and Dhom Bravo managed to score 24 and 23 respectively. Thirdy Basan and Play Maker Peter Hernando scored 11 and 18 points respectively while Andrew Vallejo and Raffy Dalisay chipped in 5 points apiece. Jess Bueno contributed 8 points.

Riyadh underwent an early blow from their challenger when ace gunner and former MBA Nueva Ecija Patriot Rommel Pangan suffered a mild shoulder injury against Datungputi during rebound battle in the early going, which made him useless all throughout the championship match.

In the curtain raiser, the star-studied United OFW Association headed by their national chairman Frank Naval and Menandro Alteza woke up just in time to stop a late rally by one time regional champion Jeddah All Star Selection headed by Boy Corsega as they escape with a heart-stopping 95-89 win.

Jojo Custodio conspired with his team as he display his usual dominance, while Jess Bueno and Joel Esquebel provided the hassle that intimidated their opponents.

In the first match in the second day, the visiting Jeddah All-Star eked out a 94-91 victory over the Al Wakeel Kings of Dammam to bag the second runner up.

Slum Dunk King winner Louie Laxamana, 30, emerged as top scorer, and followed by John Gatchalian, 16, Madmad Martinez with 11, while Omeng Sahagun and Rommel Paule contributed 9 and 15 points.

For the Al Wakeel Kings, Glen Abrantes scored a game high 31 points, while Jun Reyes and Joey Julaton chipped in 12 and 11 points.

Former PBL Batangas Blades De Castro was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the two-day tournament. Riyadh’s Jojo Custodio and Dhom Bravo, Jeddah’s Louie Laxamana, and ACEC's Omar Asmad complete the magic mythical five.

In other sidelights, Hempel Paints All Star defeated Saudi Arab Selection via two game sweeps 84-80, 83-73 win to claim UFSA-DBL Solidarity game. Al Zahrani downed ARCC-EEI 81-72 to claim Battle of Inter Company Champions while Honeywell Arabia bags Heroes Cup Volleyball title after trashing Riyadh All Star via two sets 25-21,19-25-15-13.
IPSA varsity team defeated Philippine School in Dammam (PSD) to claim inter-school title.

The event was spearheaded by UFSA-DBL Commissioner’s Jojo Dizon and Ely Panahon.

Text & photos by Kim G. Cortez
FIBA official correspondent in Saudi Arabia