RIYADH, Oct. 31, 2000 – In an exciting and thrilling finish, L’azurde, thanks to their last year MVP Peng Bervoso who scored 27 points, overpowered the fighting Al Sharq to win a very close battle by 83-82 at the Inter company basketball tournament for the coveted Saudi Ceramics trophy being played at the SCC courts.
Just close to the buzzer in the second half, Bervoso had two free throws and this gave them this narrow lead. Their other main players Michael Mariano, Edwin Mancera and Elias Faustino scored 17, 14 and 10 points respectively.
The losers fought back with their main duo of Remy Mctala (25) and Jess Dela Cruz (24) but the defeat could not be avoided. However, they still have a chance to make it to the last eight if they win their remaining two games.
In the other match, Al Manhal defeated Al Obeikan by 77-67. Ruben Padua (28) was star for the victorious side. For the losing team, Edwin Dolorido (23) put up his best efforts along with his other team members but in vain.
Al Watania also improved its chances of advancing further when they down SMI by 70-62. Here Whelson Igtanloc (13), Rodel Delicana (13) and Wennie Villasiete (11) played an attacking game for the victors. For SMI, only Edwin Sarana (15) and Adrian Zarco (13) managed to score despite the tough defense tactics applied by the opponents.
The last showdown saw Middle East Specialized Cable (MESC) winning over Saudi Pre-insulation Pipe Industries (SPPI) with 73-68 score. Both the teams started on a fast note and at one stage, it looked to be anybody’s game. It was MESC boys who took control in the end and never look back from there.
Ronald Nobela (18), Robert Estanislao (17), Noel Pangan (17) and Elmer Guliman (11) of MESC supported each other well. Their counterparts, Fernan Landayan (15), Joel Hipolito (13) and Arnold Parales (12) were no match for them.
This annual event is continuing successfully for the past many years, thanks to the SCC objective of promoting sports activities and better camaraderie in the Second Industrial City. Through the years, the company has lived up to its vision that men with healthy body and healthy mind yield a higher productivity. Today, the Inter company event is the most popular of its class in the industrial area.
It is being supported by NCMS catering, Power Horse Energy Drink, Al Manhal water, Conor, Cod, Galaxy, Visayan, Utex door-to-door cargoes, Dador sportswear and TFC-ANC ABS-CBN.

Scores in brief:

L’azurde (83) – Peng 27, Michael Mariano 17, Erwin Mancera 16, Elias Faustino 10, Ronald Cano 5, Jay Soriano 4, Mike Masa 4 beat Al Sharq (82) – Remy Mctala 25, Jess Dela Cruz 24, Rico Jacinto 12, Bernard Dela Pena 10, Jamil Mateo 4, Bobby Dela Pena 3, Reynald Calma 2, Rodolito Dela Pena 2. Referees – Ernie Dela Cruz, Muhammed Villamena, Ed Tamayo.

Al Manhal (77) – Ruben Padua 28, Rolly Talaban 13, Delfin Canteros 9, Freddie Balbuena 8, Joe Aguilar 5, Norman Cruz 5, Eduard Geramos 5, Freddie Bautista 4 beat Al Obeikan (67) – Edwin Dolorido 23, Ronald Bulanhague 13, Tony Trajano 11, Romy Baldoza 7, Dabhoy Margallo 5, Geofrey Olivar 4, Darney Torres 2, Bhong Rivera 2. Referees – Ernie Dela Cruz, Muhammed Villamena, Ed Tamayo.

Al Watania (70) – Whelson Igtanloc 13, Rodel Delicana 13, Wennie Villasiete 11, Dodhe Dela Vega 9, Ralf Seming 8, Gilbert Pagtalunan 6, Ruben Garciai 4, Elvin Gille 4, Geovanie Romero 2 beat SMI (62) – Edwin Sarana 15, Adrian Zarco 13, Mhar Camitan 9, Bhong Bernabe 9, Marcon Villanueva 5, Marco Torralba 5, Sandy Honorio 4, Rodel Ligaya 2. Referees – Aser Piansay, J. Valenzuela.