The fifth week of the Juffali Basketball League witnessed another thrilling action at the Juffali Compound court on Khurais Road near here.
The event is sponsored by Western Union through Nomer Cuartero in cooperation with Shane Lotering’s Benz Cars and Ali Bustawi’s JIPCO, subsidiaries of the E.A. Juffali & Brothers Group of Companies.
After three weeks of silence, Al Jomaih collected another victory at the expense of rival Land Rover 106-60. After losing to JACO in the Inter-Automotive division during the third week showdown, the team of playing coach Edwin Deraco came strong in the fifth week to secure a 2-1 win-loss record in three outings.
Deraco used a towering 15-point advantage in the first quarter (29-14) to maintain the lead throughout the game. Mapagdalita of the losing side poured in two three-pointers but it was answered by two also by Sandico to end a 48-34 halftime score to Al Jomaih.
In the third quarter action, Al Jomaih managed to handle a foul-laden period and unleashed a 30-12 run ending a 32-point lead (78-46) that gave pressure to Land Rover.
Coach Allan Mapagdalita of the losing side tightened its defense in the last quarter but it was answered by foul troubles. This situation held his team into a 28-14 run of Jomaih to secure a big win. Bayani of the winning side scored 27 points to go with 1 rebound and 1 steal.
Borlongan also poured in 22 points with 1 assist and Torres, 19 points with 4 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. For Land Rover, Mapagdalita top-scored with 16 points and Marcelo 15.
In the Inter-Company division, Saudi Lebanese Tarouk snatched its first victory against Pizza Inn 109-100 after two unsuccessful outings the previous weeks.
At last coach Jun Dela Cruz had a peace of mind and proved his boys can be a threat in the league by denying a strong contender like Pizza Inn.
Despite only eight players that dressed for the game, Dela Cruz fielded the right cagers to sweep all periods and never gave a chance for the losers to take the lead.
Rosete led the winners with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 1 blocked shot. Cordero finished with 22 points, 6 assists and 2 blocks. Barral also shot 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist. Gocela had 6 three-pointers and saved 21 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.
For the losers, as usual Fernandez scored a night- high 42 points in addition to 6 steals and 2 assists. Ringor had 23 points, 3 steals and 1 rebound.
Team standings after the fifth week :
Inter-Company —Al Hokair 3-0, KAFD 2-0, Saudi Ericsson 1-0, Petromin 1-1, Panda 1-1, Pizza Inn 2-2, Saudi Lebanese Tarouk 1-2, Coffee Essence 1-2, DHL 0-2, Hukaime 0-3; Inter-Automative — JACO 3-0, Al Jomaih 2-1, United Motors 1-0, Petromin 1-0, Volvo 0-1, Samaco 0-2, Land Rover 0-3; I Inter-Department: Saudi Ericsson 1-0, Bazai 1-0, JAMED 1-1, Maybach 1-1, Al Wahlan 1-1.
