KSA - NPC, SFCCL unbeaten in EPBL

DAMMAM - Ex-PBA pro Arnold Calo knew his contribution dipped in their previous games so he showed that he can still light up the scoreboard. And what a time to step up as the unbeaten National Pipe Company drubbed the Kudu Restaurant Riyadh All Star Selection, 94-74, as the on-going 19th EPBL Open Conference continues at the jam-packed Al Ettifaq Sports Club.

"We're intimidated at first since they assembled the best players in the central region", said Calo, who faced tough match-ups at the big forward position. "Everytime I come across a strong challenge at the hard court I always apply my experience."  

Truly enough, the soft-spoken cager from Cebu City, quickly went to work as he scored 9 of his 16 total points in the first period.

"He (Calo) played a monstrous inside-out game", remarked NPC captain Jessie Cabanayan, himself, a former pro who once played for the fabled Purefoods franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association.

While it was Calo who gave the Pipe makers momentum in the early going, it's slasher Edgar Bucalin who took the reins in the pivotal fourth period scoring 11 of his 19 points.

Ramesh Ordan scored 9 points while Cabanayan added 13 points and Ex-MBA Anthony Nabong chipped in 10 points while PCU Dolphins Leo Gaspi and Jordan Sinio contributed 11 points apiece.

The Restaurateurs played minus some of their key players due to important commitments, on the other hand Calabarzon All Star swingman Jojo Custodio thrilled the crowd with his acrobatic shots that frightened the NPC five. Custodio poured in 14 points and responsible for breaking NPC's momentum in the early going, while reining inter-company MVP Brian Datu had abysmal performance with 8 points after converting a buzzer beater before halftime.

The visiting Kudu Riyadh suffered a serious blow early in the third canto when San Sebastian College stalwart Haydran Orcullo suffered a light cut in his cheek after an accidental hit by Leo Gaspi on rebound play.

In a game reduced to a free wheeling contest, the Pipe Makers proved to be sharper and deadlier as they used a big third quarter onslaught.

Showing no mercy, the NPC five came through with several spurts and posted a 71-58 lead with still over six minutes left.

Kudu went defenseless against NPC as Nabong and Bucalin sank long-range shots helping the Pipe Makers pad their lead.

Despite the loss, head coach Orly Casimiro is very proud of his boys playing in this particular game as he quoted, "I have to give credit to my delegation and supporters specially to my players in spite of losing against NPC, just imagine the home court advantage and the traveling time, its not easy but we give them our best game". 

Kudu's 6'3" shot blocker Vic Dizo topscored with 19 points, while Rey Vitor, Alvin Serrano and Leonard Lim combined for 23 points.

Meanwhile, as EPBL celebrates the 19th year of basketball excellence in the Kingdom and to commemorate the 108th Philippine Independence Day, the basketball enthusiasts in the Eastern Region will witness the most exciting basketball showdown of its kind as they feature a twin battle in the premier league plus valuable gifts to be drawn during half time breaks and an entertainment to delight EPBL's crowd.

In another match, Saudi Formaldehyde Chemical Company (SFCCL) deepened the wounds of Bigen Prominous as the Jubail dribblers handed Bigen another stinging 97-88 setback in Division C.

Banking heavily on the exciting backcourt tandem of wingman Ariel Balunsay and Saudi sensation Mubarak Al Khaldi, the boys of Froilan Sumaong and Ferdie De Villa made a decisive run in the third period and then withstood Bigen's spirited challenge late in the game to close out its first round campaign on a high note.

After a quiet performance in the first half, Al Khaldi went berserk in the final quarter, scoring 18 of his 25 points in leading the SFCCL to their third victory.

On the other hand, Bigen absorbed their third straight defeat for a 1- 4 record. They need to win all their remaining three games to barge into the semis.

"I have to give it to my players, especially Balunsay, Al Khaldi, Roy Tolentino and Donny Superlativo who delivered the big baskets when we needed them most," said coach Suamaong. "But we have to play harder in our next games if we want to retain our title."

While it was the wily Al Khadi who carried most of the scoring load for the SFCCL early in the fourth, it was  Balunsay who delivered the killing blows to the faltering Bigen.

The Bigen five fought furiously in the first three quarters only to lose steam in the final quarter behind the inspired plays of the well-motivated SFCCL squad.

Edwin Dimpla topped all scores with 26 points while Jhon Amurao and Louie Delos Reyes added 25 and 21 points respectively.

Other game results, Rezayat Bulldodgs bulldozed JAL International 73-71; Al Falak dumped Al Bustan 86-78, Phuket Restaurant 67-63, Isam Kabbani whipped defending champion Kudu Restaurant 80-69 in the Inter Company league, while Al Suwaidi Holding defeated FMQ Sons Company 80-66.

The tournament was being sponsored by Black Stallions, sole agent of Robinsons Homes Incorporated and supported by Phuket Restaurant.

KIM G. CORTEZ