RIYADH, Sept. 12, 2000 – The teams of Al Khozama and Marriott scored impressive victories over their respective rivals Intercontinental and Al Faisaliah in their elimination round matches at the 13^th Annual Riyadh Inter-hotels basketball tournament, the first part of the 3 in 1 Fila Millennium Challenge festival 2000, being hosted by Sheraton Riyadh hotel and towers.
With ray of hope, syed Hamid Moulana’s Intercon (Al Hada) boys went up against Al Khozama of Rey Hagoriles. After a thrilling game, the latter won by 86-59 as the Intercon were playing without the ball handler Edwin Esplago and Giovani Roble. For the victors, rookie Francis Aquino, Leo Bautista and Vher Punzalan made spectacular showing of guts and alley hoop lay up at the cheers of the spectators. Once again, Jojo Bulan anchored his side with 24 points and another darling of the crowd, Joel Mendoza got an incredible three points shot in his first appearance just before the buzzer sounded.
Marriott, unforgiving to the very end, thrashed a hapless Faisaliah by 108-50 in the second encounter. While the latter offense was magnificent to some extent, their defense was lethal where they looked kids lost in wilderness, committing numerous turnovers and worse, they had an awful shooting percentage from the field.
The three times MVP Tres Mondala posted another high game score of 40 with Ed Manansala drilling in 19 points. It was their sweet triumph having lost their third game last Friday. They drew fine performance from Mark Swing, Jovit Laygo, Edwin Turbanos, Cris Cielo and Leo Nebres who made easy sailing in slaughtering the opponents this time. The losers with Anthony Fontanilla, Felix Avillo, Jeffrey Manicani, Michael Buenaflor, Robert Quintanilla, tall man Morris Tiedeman and Hector Anical tried to put up some resistance. All their efforts were in vain as the tandem of Rey Macapagal, Mondala and Manansala brought havoc to their defense with their gutsy drives and splendid easy lay-up shootings.
In another clash, Sheraton Towers repulsed Riyadh Palace to post its third win in a low scoring match by 52-42. It was Rex Capati first basket for the victorious side that blasted the action but it immediately retaliated by June Revilla. Thereafter, both the teams applied decisive offense cum defense tactics, resulting in very low score of 25-20 in the first half in favor of the eventual victors.
On resumption, Donnel Samaniego, a promising rookie from Riyadh Palace made two consecutive shots followed by Ancel Roque fine performance as well, which brought the score to 30-all. Then, the two teams committed errors after errors without any recording of the shots. With five minutes to go in the second half, Allan Barcelon increased the score with his accurate shots. He was well assisted by Rommel Carlos and Bong Lagman. In the closing stage, Capati made a 90-degree turnaround situation, breaking the defense of Riyadh Palace, which even Abdullah at the center court could not contain.
In the last encounter of the evening, Olaya Palace of Muhammed Ateeq and C. B. Kannangara of Minhal Holiday Inn fought an exciting battle. It is Olaya Palace first entry in the ball club and they recorded their second win by 88-75. This time they were anchored by Juanito Payumo, a promising all rounder and with high leaping Karm, they did not disappoint their supporters.
Equally strong backing came from Arthur Fernandez, rebounder Roger Navarro, Bodjec Dimaapi, Edwin Dela Cruz and Calagui. It was a see saw battle in the first half as Dennis Almario and Art Lagman of Minhal made their best efforts to outsmart the side comprising of mostly young blood rookies. This did not work well as the swiftness and quick action of the Olaya prevailed and the first half ended in their favor with 40-35.
At the start of the jump shots, Cruz rebounded the ball and made the first basket that signaled the start of a flurry of shots between the two. Here heights of Minhal squad proved no match for the well-knitted team play of Olaya. Kram at the center was in full control. They employed a paralyzing full court press with razor sharp precision that shattered the defense and the offense of the losing side.
The Fila Millennium Basketball Challenge 2000 is being sponsored by Sodas Sports – the sole distributor of Fila sportswear in the Kingdom courtesy of Mumen Al Garawi with support coming from Pepsi Cola and Power Horse Energy Drink. It is organized by Riyadh Inter-hotels Sports Committee.
According to the organizers, the registration for the 6-feet & below category is still on. It is planned to kick off on Friday, Sept. 15. All eyes are now set on the Inter-company division (bonafide) first match between Saudi Media System and TFC (ABS-CBN).
Also, Friday Morning Club has been organized for those who are interested to play in the morning hours. For registration, call Carlos D. Ollero or Flor Almoite on 454-3300.
To gear up for the Inter company gala, a clinic was organized by Buddy Arcangel together with Alex Sanchez and FCBR newly elected president Nestor Carlos with secretary general Jake Flora. It was attended by the team managers, coaches and players of LM Ericsson, El Seif Engineering, Saudi Media Systems, Dallah Hospital, TFC (ABS-CBN) of Joel Magpantay. All confirmed their commitment and to abide by the tournament ground rules and regulations.

Complete line up of the participating team members is: