KSA - Rezayat, Al Falak trounce opponents in EPBL

DAMMAM (EPBL) – Rezayat Bulldogs defeated Saudi Paper Company, 62-59, in a crucial to survive in their elimination campaign as the 19th EPBL Open Conference continues at the crowded AL Ettifaq Sports in this city.

Just as expected, the game turned into a war, but this time, the Bulldogs stood to the challenge and finally kicked the ghost of their heartbreaking loss in their last outing.
Big baskets from come-backing Bhoyet Tordecilla, who suffered an ankle injury during their last game, Nheil Purisima and Lito Desuyo plus an excellent defensive effort made the difference for the Bulldogs this time.

"It was sweet, at least we exacted revenge over Saudi Paper," said Coach Jun Quemuel. "Finally, the boys realized how strong they are if they can only put their focus on the game."
But their win over the Papermakers would just amount to nothing if they fail to keep winning their next assignments.

"It could be doubly special if we can reach the championship series," said Quemuel. “We’re taking it one game at a time."

Tordecilla also dished out two assists and the same number of rebounds and steals. TJ Paste also produced decent numbers by tallying 11 points and grabbing eight rebounds while Ramiel Villanueva chipped in 9 points and five assists.

Saudi Paper was ahead in the early going before Tordecilla suddenly caught fire, fueling an 11-point explosion on the way to a 39-28 halftime lead.

Jersen San Luis paced the Saudi Papers with 17 points but that effort went down the drain as he turned the ball six times. Ronnie Bobadilla was another disappointment as he went scoreless in the last two quarters after scoring 10 points in the first half.

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

In another action, Al Falak System Solution shattered the dreams of Panda Markets via 71-69 win.

Ruel Poliquit displayed renewed enthusiasm as Al Falak finally heaved a sigh of relief in the final 17 seconds to record an upset over erstwhile favorites, Panda Markets, in a confusion laden win.

Poliquit and Earl Sta. Ana epitomized Al Falak’s domination by combining for 46 points. Mohammed Thirkallah joined the scoring foray scavenging for 10 points being on the right place at the right time.

Down at 60-63, and on the defensive end, Al Fallak saw its dimming hopes come alive when the Panda five squad made two crucial errors towards the endgame that triggered their downfall.

After Rahmuddin Macasampen, Macloy Osio, and Henry Prago ignited a last minute rally to give Panda the lead, the boys of Duane Sta. Ana took advantage when Prago fouled out at crunch time.

In the Premier League, youthful exuberance prevailed over experience.

Showing lots of spunk and courage, Al Nahda Saudi Club clobbered the listless ACEC- Consultants, 100-88, to beat one of EPBL’s finest teams.

After a slow start, the All-Saudi squad suddenly caught fire in the third, stringing up 11 straight points in a five-minute stretch to rip the game wide open for a commanding 16 point lead going into the final canto.

"We'll try our best to finish the league but ACEC, National Pipe Company and Kudu Riyadh All Star still remains a dangerous opponent," said Coach Ali Zahrani, who again credited the team's pesky defense for their unexpected win.

"Their defense collapsed simply because they don’t have a legitimate center, obviously referring to White Datungputi and Adel Kaddoura who missed the game due to important commitment abroad. Their outside shooting did not click this time as well," said Essa Al Hanwa, who motivated his team to go for the hustle and become unselfish that unnerved the Engineering giant.

Al Nahda came through with a torrent of baskets in the third; the Consultants could not shoot the ball straight, making just 4-of-20 from the field in that fateful quarter.

Saudi national team member Fahad Ali and Fahad Al Drees struck hardest in that stage as they scattered for 34 and 14 points while Zayed Al Bader added 11 points as the Al Nahda five took a sizable 75-69 lead going into the final 10 minutes.

Skywalker Allan De Castro and Efren Valencia tried to resurrect their team’s low showing with 18 points apiece while Rookie and NCRAA – Lyceum of the Philippines standout Eldrin Simpas and ex-MBA Nolram Aquino added 12 and 13 points.

Other game results, Al Hoty Group whipped Al Bustan 94-79, Arabian Consulting Engineering Centre outplayed Arcan Vita 100-81, Phuket Restaurant downed SFCCL 93-85-, Mazda smashed UMA – Envoy, 88-78, while SFCCL trashed Sapmt Abqaiq 82-65 in division C.

By Kim G. CORTEZ
Official FIBA Correspondent in Saudia Arabia