KSA - Kentz bounce back, Kuhaimi pick win in UFSA-DBL

DAMMAM (UFSA-DBL) - After a stinging loss in their first outing, Saudi Arabian Kentz bounced back with a vengeance defeating the defending champion Saudi Ready Mix via 74-58 victories and earned the reputation of being the team to beat and mean business this time as the United Filipino Sports Association -Dammam Basketball League (UFSA-DBL) Fiesta Conference continues at jam-packed Al Nahda Sports Club here.

True to their words, the Kentz dressed out wild with Ex-MBA Pampanga Dragons Alvin Serrano turning a game-high 20 points including two triples, while Robert Valconcha and defendable Allan Botito contributed 12 and 11 points respectively.

The shorthanded Saudi Ready Mix tried to apply pressures against the Kentz with the seasoned trio of Rolly Bisda, Rodel Caverte and tower blocker Jayson Agcamaran combined for a total of 38 points.

Ready Mix trimmed the deficit to 31-28 on Bisda's quick basket coming off the with 8.58 ticks remaining in the third canto but Kentz kept their good moods and composure with their showers of shots and fine defense as Jerson Mag-Abo and Russel Pia combined strength with 20 points.

After Saudi Ready Mix took an early 29-28 lead in the first half they were outscored by the Kentz five 56-45 at the end of the third period.

The boys of Bert Radan- Hermi Conti and Anthony Mc Carthy proved to be unstoppable as they dictated the tempo, coming up with a strong finishing kick to complete the important win. 

In another League clash, drawing another inspiring game from Rigor Anievas, the Al Kuhaimi Metals survived some scary moments before eking out an 86-85 win over stubborn Debras Nuggets.
"We moved the ball so well, especially in the fourth period and that was the key to our victory. We made a lot of assists today," beamed team manager Regie Montana. "My players' unselfishness spelled the difference."

Anievas stood out among a bevy of big performers for the Kuhaimi as he made the biggest baskets down the stretch, including his last two points in the dying seconds remaining of the exciting match.

The Nuggets had one last chance to turn the game around but Ricky Lucero's desperation heave from the perimeter zone failed to hit the mark.

A bullet-like pass by Jhun Cansino to Rafael Lorenzo underneath saw the Nuggets taking an 83-84 count. With enough time left, Kuhaimi's mentor Raul Mendonez sued for timeout and set up a play for Philip Paragua.

Paragua, however, missed a 15-footer but Anievas was there to keep the ball and alive and Diomar Rada grabbed the loose ball, and in a flash, made a perfect assist to Dean Raymundo.

Anieves topscored for the victors with 22 points while Raymundo chipped in 19 on top of 5 five rebounds - three of them offensively, and two assists.

Raymond Del Rosario, Bali Mohammed and Edwin Villegas combined for 21 points.

All star Lucero sizzled with 20 points on an impressive 8-of-11 shooting. He was especially hot in the third quarter and last quarter where he banged in 15 of the team's 50 points that saw them taking a slim 75-73 lead after trailing in the first two quarters.

The tournament is being sponsored by ahd 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.

Other game results, Tamimi 40's beat Batang Rizal 75-64 win, Universal Motors Agencies whipped IPSA 76-65, Rezayat dumped Hilti Breaker 54-48, Nesma Holding smashed Nalco 67-54, Gas Arabia trashed Pinoy Smart GRI 58-50, while Al Sagger outplay Chowking Restaurant 77-67.

By Kim G. Cortez
FIBA