KSA - FMMC soar high in UFSA-DBL season opening

DAMMAM - Twenty Seven teams joined the United Filipino Sports Association -Dammam Basketball League (UFSA-DBL) season opening dubbed as "Battle of Basketball Royal" at the Al Nahda Sports Club.

The well attended opening ceremonies was graced by  guest of honor community leader and veteran journalist Joe Avancena and Nilo Bejasa who both thanked the participating teams and congratulated the organizing committee headed by Tournament Commissioners Jojo Dizon and Ely Panahon for bringing a wholesome entertainment and quality sports activities to the Filipino community. 

"We, in UFSA-DBL are committed to bring fun, excitement with entertainment using our favorite sports - basketball, Choy Tubaying, Technical Committee Head as 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." Tubaying added.

During the announcement of early awards, Al Aujan Softdrinks -Barbican took the Best in Uniform plum, while Sonita Rauv from Malaysia representing King Fahad Military Medical Complex (KFMMC) bested other contestant as she crowned Miss UFSA- DBL 2007 while Jeanne Eledia and Fiona Yansang were chosen as runner-ups.

Most Organized Team was unanimously awarded to the Al Tuwairqi Group of Companies. 

The tournament which will run for three months was being sponsored by Marry Brown Chicken, Hempel Paints, Sky Freight Forwarders, BAI Aluminum, and Skyline Forwarders.

The tournament was officially opened by Commissioner Jojo Dizon, followed by Oath of Sportsmanship presided by KFMMC's team captain Sherwin Reyes. 

For the ice breaker, the audience delighted by the heart-stopping song performances from one of the promising young star Jeanne Eledia while song bird France Roxas wowed the crowds with her solo number.

In the opening salvo, the powerhouse cast of King Fahad Military Medical Complex of Dammam drawing premium performances from wingman Randel Boctot and hot shot Arnold Ravila, by pouring back to back baskets and dumped Al Aujan Barbicans 91-74 final results.

The boys of Yolly Zoleta poured everything it got from the onset and blasted the never say die Barbican squad to open their second conference campaign.

Barbican five managed to close the gap as Ramil Enriquez triggered the rally pumping 8 straight points at the start of the second canto while Reynaldo Lagman and ace defender Samuel Dano chipped in 21 and 13 points respectively. However, the rally was short-lived as KFMMC top gunners Joey Villarosa and Rodel Regidor countered consecutive unanswered points.

KFMMC's Ravila and Boctot combined 45 points while Sherwin Reyes chipped in 9 points.

In another action, Al Mira Center downed Pangasinan Waves, 73-70 to pick up their early win while, Dammam Warriors trashed Bisdak Foundation 80-72 win.

Team vying for the coveted "Battle of Basketball Royal" title are Alagad Empire, Al Hussaini Group, AL Jazirah Ford, Al Saffar Tigers, Al Tuwairqi Group, Al Aujan Softdrinks Industries, Arcan Vita, BAI Aluminum, Al Mouwasat Hospital, Al Mira Center, Bisdak Foundation, Dammam Warriors, Eagle of Arabia, Patayah Restaurant, IPSA, Eastern Pak, KFMMC - Phuket Restaurant, Kolokoy Boys, Skyscrapers, SAPTCO, Saudi Call, Sneakers, SCECO, Ilokandia, Pangasinan Waves, Mamas Love and Protect.

The entire league games will be officiated by The Referees Basketball Association - Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (RBA-EPSA) headed by John Balajadia.

Kim G. Cortez
FIBA