BY JEBB CABRIANA

RIYADH — Kempinski scored its second win at the expense of the erstwhile unbeaten team Fairmont, 76-69, in the 2018 Hoteliers League Riyadh Basketball Tournament here. Rommel Yalung and company invested a 15-point advantage entering the third canto before Fairmont made a decent run of its own in the second half. However, Fairmont’s run wasn’t enough to beat a much hungrier Kempinski and later on succumbed to its first loss of the season.

Rommel Yalung had a big game win with 28 points, 5 rebounds, a steal and a block. Vincent Quinto, Philip Macayayong, who just joined the team from vacation, and John Rey Belnas added 18, 15 and 11 points, respectively, to tie its rival in the standings at 2-1.

On the other hand, Jayson Tuano posted another supreme performance with 26 points for Fairmont falling short of getting its third consecutive win.

Al-Faisaliah wanted to bounce back after an upsetting defeat against Ritz-Carlton. And yes, that’s what it just did. Al-Faisaliah showed why it is the defending champ after thrashing the low-flying Holiday Inn which suffered its third serial loss, 101-59. Rey Eusebio exhibited his valor delivering 25 points, 2 steals, 3 assists and 3 rebounds which allowed him to bring home the Fawri Money Transfer Services’ Player of the Game award. Four other players, Nino Lauriaga, Carlo Ray Hall, Jurald Dave Ybanez and Levison Pineda, added 15, 14, 13 and 12 points, respectively. With this win, Al-Faisaliah is now tied with Vivienda, Kempinski and Fairmont with 2-1 record.

Holiday Inn Riyadh Meydan is still licking its wounds after losing its last three games. This loss, however, was the most excruciating one as Al-Faisaliah dominated it big time with 42 points difference. Holiday Inn just couldn’t find its way to stop the formidable team of Rey Eusebio. Marneil Ocampo led his team with 17 points. Fred Redulfin, who used to be the go-to shooter of Holiday Inn, was limited to only 8 points after averaging 27.5 points in his last two games, highlighted with his 8 triples in one game.

Scores:

Kempinski 76 — Yalung 28, Quinto 18, Macayayong 15, Belnas 11, Osonero 2, Helomina 2, Recto 0, Saliganan 0, Toque 0.

Fairmont 69 — Tuano 26, Li 9, Yuzon 8, Arcilla 7, Saniel 6, Bangalan 6, Garcia 3, Arguelles 2, Gasillos 2, Dalusung 0, San Andres 0.

Quarters: 23-11; 44-29; 61-48; 76-69.

Al-Faisaliah 101 — Eusebio 25, Lauriaga 15, Hall 14, Ybanez 13, Pineda 12, Ambrosio 9, Lopera J 4, Lopera C 3, Inigo 2, Marjes 2, Suarez 2.

Holiday Inn 59 — Ocampo 17, Arandia 9, Herrera 8, Redulfin 8, Ayson 5, Diamante 4, Maycong 4, Bualat 4, Perez 0.

Quarters: 20-12; 45-32; 75-47; 101-59.