KSA - Saudi Ready Mix whip Mojil, Arcan beat Sing Dollars in UMA Cup

DAMMAM (UFSA-DBL) - Saudi Ready Mix announced its comeback in the league with a bang as the Mixers waylaid multi-titlist Al Mojil Group, 92-80, in the on-going UMA Challenge Cup organized by the United Filipino Sports Association - Dammam Basketball League (UFSA-DBL) at the jam-packed Al Nahda Sports Club here. 

Getting the usual numbers from their key players, the boys of Willy Delara and Carlos Casenas scuttled Al Moajil uprising in the last period to maintain their unblemished record - their best start so far since reorganizing their team.

Aside from stretching their winning run, prized coach Ariel Julio believed their victory was enough to send a strong signal to their rivals that they really meant business this time.

"We're doing well right now but we should be complacent. With our record, we're now the target of everybody," said veteran coach Julio. "But we're ready."

All star and wingman Rolly Bisda again starred for the Mixer as he scattered 36 points, grabbed eight boards and dished out four assists in another brilliant all-around performance.

While Up coming idol Joel Lampa and wily guard Michael San Felipe, Mixer's newest talent, also did not frustrate their huge supporters as they registered 15 points and 8 points respectively in the crucial time of the match, while sweet shooter Rodel Caverte added 18 points, including 3 triples and several notable floor defense. 

The Al Mojil showed some flashes of brilliance in every quarter wherein Andy Tapongol, Fidel Fidel and Real Cabrera teamed up to close in the gap combining 48 points, while Sammy Magtutu added 10 points. 

With Jayson Agcamaran hulking presense inside the paint and Bisda's hitting from the medium range, the Mixers started to pull away in the last canto where they exploded for 29 points that gave them enough challenged to their never say die opponents.

With Al Mojil's struggling offensively, the victors signaled their win in the dying seconds of the match.

In another match, Arcan Vita dumped Sing Dollars, 76-69 win.

The remarkable shotmaking ability of Jay Samson and inside plays of Alex Baustista, Paul Sayson and Christian Cunanan proved too much for the Sing Dollars to handle.

Samson made 7 of his 22 points in the last period and came up with two crucial blocks in the homestretch as he teamed up with Bautista in wreaking havoc inside out a decisive fourth quarter run. Cunanan added 11 points while Sayson and Alfie Santillan chipped in 11 and 8 points.

While the Dollar men controlled the boards and led by as much as 7 points in the third quarter, the boys of Freddie Cabagbag failed to cool down the hot hand of Paul Blanca's ward.

Jhun De Rama topscored for Sing Dollar with 28 points while Elvin Apuyan, Jun David, Allan Dioneda and Jorex Laurente combined for 32 points.

With Arcan's intimidating defense, the Sing Dollar five lost their focused as they suffered scoring almost four minutes drought in each quarter.

Other game results, Chowking Restaurant smashed Herfy Restaurant 79-75, Fahad Alireza outplayed San Miguel Barkada 81-70, Al Khathlan overpowered Bin Quraya 71-59, W.L. Foods Super Bawang trashed Batang Rizal 69-63, Unified Company outsmart Arabian Nights 73-65, Gentec demolished ASPCO 74-54, while Dammam Warrior downed Taseco 87-78.

The tournament is being sponsored by Universal Motors Agency, supported by Sky Freight Forwarders, Hempel Paints, Mc Donalds Restaurant, Chowking Restaurant, BAI Aluminum Façade Specialist, The Filipino Channel (TFC), and GMA Pinoy Plus.

Photo Caption # 1: Saudi Ready Mix team with Head Coach Ariel Julio and Carlos Casenas pose in victorious mood after beating Al Moajil Group 92-80 final scores.

Photo Caption # 2: Arcan Vita gathered prior to the start of their game against Sing Dollars.

By KIM G. CORTEZ
FIBA