RIYADH, August 30, 2000 – Guided by C. B. Kannangara, the Minhal Holiday Inn scored their first stunning victory over Al Faisaliah of Manny Estrella by 82-56 in 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 at its newly refurbished court.
As the action began, the victors dominated the board and it took Faisaliah 4.32 minutes before finding the target. D. Almario top scored with 26 whereas for the opponents, rookie T. Fontanilla had 15 to his credit but this was not enough to control the winning boys who were rampaging the board. Even their towering Morris Tiedeman at the rebound made no difference as their team went down rather easily.
Neo Egamino Intercontinental boys after a fierce ding-dong battle which thrilled the large weekend crowed defeated Olaya Palace managed by M. A. Ateeq by 97-88 in another match on Thursday. At the end of the first half, the score stood at 45-all. In the exchange of basket in the second half, the losing side combination of Dela Cruz and Payumo got 28 and 24 points respectively but this did not alter the final score as the latter took his fifth and the final foul with six minutes to go.
His loss was the main factor that demoralized their team and thereafter, it was Egamino and Ayan Dibaratum domination and they scored at will till the blowing of the final whistle in favor of the Intercon.
The Friday jam-packed fans witnessed the prelude to championship game between the defending champion Marriott coached by Mark Jumani and managed by Fawaz Al Beshir against the revitalized Riyadh Palace of Samir Al Hindi. It was a heated clash between the two titans of Inter-Hotels gala as every moment of the running game was tense with blistering retaliations seen from both the teams. At the end of the first half, both the teams were tied at 33-all.
In the second half, the two sides showed signs of strong offensive followed quick defense. The first shot that was recorded was seconded only after 2.45 minutes. The early exit of Natividad for Riyadh Palace was a negative factor as his powerful under goal rebound was big help in their defense against Ed Manansala of the rivals.
Although substituted by veteran Emy Balilo, this was not enough to stop the tough daredevil drives of Mondala who was supported by Mark Swing, Leo Nebres, Jovit Laygo, Manansala and Edwin Turbanos. Swing hanky panky handling of the ball added excitement for the spectators as he drove at the center for sure ball with his swiftness and hoopla hoops.
Marriott’s Manansala antics under goals were prevailing. His easy lay-ups made the difference for foul bit that victimized Desnie Reyes, the playmaker of the Palace to graduate with still three minutes to go. Manahan, their darling of the crowd proved to be a big asset with his agility and mobility that made Jumaani nervous specially when the unexpected shots found the target to level the score at 79-all with 58-seconds remaining. In the final stage, it was then Mondala 95% shooting skills at the 15-foot line for a free throw that took Marriott thru by 85-81 margin.
The last battle of the Friday night saw Al Khozama winning over the host Sheraton Towers by 76-58. Despite the home support, the luck did not favor them. There no coercion among the players and besides Rex Capati, Rene Delos Reyes and Rommel Carlos were playing on borrowed time with four fouls each as early as the first half. Bhoy Morales got his early exit with twelve minutes more to go in the second half.
For the winning team, Francis Aquino put up a spectacular show of rebound under goal and assists to Leon Bautista, another rookie and the three pointers Gerry Donato. The versatile Tony Astrologo and Fhaki Hisham were a superb team combination that made Rey Hagoriles all smiles up to his ears.
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 Inter-company (Bonafide) and 6-feet & below category is still on. The tentative opening is now planned for Friday, September 1. Also, Friday Morning Club is being organized for those who are interested to play in the morning hours. For registration, call Carlos D. Ollero or Flor Almoite on 454-3300.
Summarized scores:

Minhal Holiday Inn (82) – D. Almario 26, Bautista 17, M. Sta Maria 10, A. Pangarungan 8, Alingod 6, Bangud 4, Dela Pena 4, Bangcot 3, C. Salvador 2, Cabanela 2 beat Al Faisaliah (56) – T. Fontanilla 15, H. Amical 12, M. Buenaflor 8, Manicani 8, Avillo 5, R. Fernandez 2, R. Flores 2, Quintanilla 2, M. Tiedeman 2. Referees – Ernie Dela Cruz and Muhammed Villamena.

Intercontinental (97) – N. Egamino 36, A. Dibaratum 23, R. Trillanes 15, E. Esplago 13, J. Sanchez 8, Triunfo 2 beat Olaya Palace (88) – Dela Cruz 28, J. Payumo 24, Navarro 11, Kram Sulit 9, Dimaapi 7, Fernandez 4, Pacson 4, Enteria 1. Referees – R. Lavarias and A. Cobalida.

Marriott (85) – T. Mondala 38, E. Manansala 13, Laygo 11, M. Swing 10, E. Turbanos 10, L. Nebres 3 beat Riyadh Palace (81) – D. Samaniego 25, R. Supan 18, D. Reyes 16, Manahan 9, R. Testado 6, Osorio 3, J. Revilla 2, E. Balilo 2. Referees – Rey Javier and Raymund Queque.