KSA - NPC rebuff Phuket in overtime, Kudu keep ACEC at bay in EPBL

DAMMAM (EPBL) - The mighty and long-time undefeated National Pipe Company (NPC) of Dhahran maintained flawless record in the premier category of the ongoing Open Conference of the Eastern Province Basketball League's 19th season after defeating Phuket Restaurant in overtime, 106-100, at the jam-packed Al Ettifaq Sports Club here. A diversified group, APTC Trading Company Ltd., joined Hoshan Office Automation, Robinsons Homes, Phuket Restaurant and Coca-Cola as sponsors of this event.

Edgar Bucalin, who finished with 23 points including his two triples, was the man of the hour as he sank his second free throw to level the match at 93-93 with 24:2 seconds remaining in regulation and both teams failed to score on their respective possessions sending the game into overtime.

NPC's Arnold Calo nearly ended the match with 1.4 ticks left in regulation but referee Ramon Aquino called for a traveling violation against the ex-Beerman.

NPC's ex-PBA pro Jessie Cabanayan stamped his mark throught the match scoring 30 points including 18 in the extra period. Calo poured 13 points in the first half.

Phuket's Omar Asmad, however, continued his impressive shooting with three triples for a conference high 37 points. Albert Arenoy scored 4 in the first half and added 14 in the second half for 18 points. Noel Malibiran and Bong Garcia chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively while Arthur Palima and Reynan Ginoo contributed 10 points apiece.

In a virtual-brawl in the premier league, Kudu Riyadh wins over the Arabian Consulting Engineering Centre (ACEC), 88-83, on the penultimate day of the second round elimination to take the third spot in the rankings.

Kudu showed confident and almost paid the price for their complacency against the ever-dangerous ACEC five. Alvin Serrano, who first dropped a three-point in the first quarter, was the most conspicuous player for Riyadh and Richard Hadlucon their most consistent scorer.

"We just kept this game right where we needed it. We didn't let it get away from us after a so-so first half and the rash of injuries we suffered. We just got hot in the third quarter and managed to hold on. That's good hard-nosed basketball by us," Kudu team coach Orly Casimero said.

Hadlucon provided a huge spark off the bench by connecting on two three-point bombs in the very first quarter. He finished the game with five triples, two of which were four-point plays.

Furies flared from the onset of the game till the final stanza as Kudu's Ador Aguinaldo took a hard fould from White Datungputi sending him sprawling onto the floor. The lanky cager got up to confront Datungputi and a fight nearly occurred cooler heads prevailed..

At the last 3:44 minutes, ACEC's Eldrin Simpas was sent out of the game for an unsportsmanlike behavior.

Unrestrained behavior that halted the game was prevalent from the start till the final buzzer. The most conspicuous moan was from ACEC's coach Manny Camba that lasted for about three minutes.

"I have to argue because the calls of the referees are not fair enough," Camba said.

In League C, SAMPT overcame their seventh hurdle in their quest for the title beating a doughty UMA Envoy, 79-76. Like it has become habitual, SAMPT began rather tentatively, but took a strong grip on the game as the match progressed.

In another match on the same group, Phuket Restaurant downed Arcan Vita, 84-66, for the third successive win and put them third in the ladder.

In an Inter-Company Group A match, Isam Kabbani edged FMQ, 87-79.

Kabbani, who now need to beat the mighty ARCC-EEI, to keep their title hopes alive.

In an Inter-Company Group B games, Al Bustan depressed JAL International, 106-85, in a lopsided match while Al Hoty picks up another win, 80-63, against Saudi Paper Company.

By Romeo O. Navidad
FIBA Official Correspondent - Middle East