Saudi Ericsson team — best in uniformCesar John DamasoRIYADH – The 8th E.A. Juffali Basketball League started last week with exciting highlights at the Juffali Compound, Khurais Road. The pre-game ceremony opened with the parade of participating teams in the Inter-Company (Group A) section, Juffali Inter-Department (Group B) and Inter-Automotive (Group C). It was followed by the introductory address by league Chairman Uldarico Victoriano and welcoming participants, sponsors and guests by Vice Chairman Elmer Bacerdo. Shane Lottering, Workshop Manager of Mercedes-Benz cars, gave an inspirational talk before the recitation of oath of sportsmanship led by Ed Guevarra. The official opening of the tournament with the ceremonial tossing of the ball was conducted by Philippine Welfare Officer Romeo Pablo. The awarding of best in uniform came last with Saudi Ericsson bagging the award for the second time. This event is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, JIPCO, Western Union, The Filipino Dentists Group of Saudi Arabia, Laguna Lakers Cargo Forwarders, WRJ Freight Forwarders, Merex Forwarders and Pepsi Cola. The league is organized and hosted by E.A. Juffali & Brothers led by Commissioner Rolly Narciso and officers Nonong Victoriano, Elmer Bacerdo, Dante Fabular (coordinator), Boyet Alquero (technical committee), George Velasco (treasurer), Flor Narisma (auditor), Emil Gamboa (food & refreshments), Abdul Ghaffar Khan (transport) and Mark Valdez (marshall). The first game in the Inter-Company group witnessed a lopsided victory of Coffee Essence against DHL Express, 75-53. Topacio and Ratacan led the scoring (12 points each) for the winner while Manalac poured 25 points for the loser. Roxas made 14 points. In the Inter-Automotive group, JACO Mercedes-Benz repeated the scenario at the expense of Nagui Motors Jaguar in a high debut output, 103-84. Gragasin scored the highest with 36 points followed by Lisondra (22), Razon (18) and Abrazaldo (16) for the winning side. For the loser, Mapagdalita was the leader with18 points, followed by Pugosa (17) and Fabillo (15). The games will be played every Thursday and Friday from 5 P.M. at the Juffali Compound, Khurais Road. Officiating referees are members of the Saudi Arabian Basketball Referee Association (SABRA).
