Filipino expats in Dubai joined in the celebration of the UAE’s 44th National Day by holding a basketball tournament organised by JK Sports at the Jumeira Baccalaureate School on Wednesday.
Ten teams vied for supremacy in the men’s division while four teams competed in the women’s category.
In the elimination round, Dave Fortuna finished with 26 points and carried Team Bagito to a 76-69 overtime win over Hot Toreros while Richard Regalado hit six triples and registered 23 markers to lead Cailey to a 75-67 victory over Takuza.
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Tibudan also converted six three-point attempts and posted 20 points in Bisaya Tanan’s 72-49 trashing of Team Sam while Dinalupihan Aklas besieged War Machine 54-47.
In the Women’s Division, Wacky Lucio scored 10 points in Panthers’ 44-22 drubbing of Hoopers while Magic spelled a 39-32 win over Vixens.
Winners in the men’s category will meet on Friday in the knockout round to battle for the AED 4,000 cash prize while the losing teams in the elimination stage will also compete on Friday among themselves for a chance to bring home AED 1,000 cash prize.
“The objective our tournament was to showcase our solidarity and gratitude to our host country (UAE),” JK Sports Chairman Roland Crisostomo told Sport3600. “Filipinos love basketball and we are grateful to the UAE for providing us an opportunity where we can find work and at the same time continue our passion for the sport.”
Scores
Bagito 76 – Dave Fortuna 26; Gherome Payrush 13; Falito Mades 12, RJ Teja 9; Nelson Travis 7; Nel Flora 4; Tarro Manio 3; Eric Peñaroyo 2
Hot Toreros 69 – Pet Nobela 17; Lester 16; Arnel Igonia 10; Watts Arabe 8; Alfie Salenga 6; Cris Balauitan 3; Fahad 3; Relano 2; Francis 2; Ron Cardona 2