Neproplast clinches B Division SAGCO Cup

By K.M.A. Perera JEDDAH – Neproplast rallied from behind to snatch victory in the final minutes and clinch the B Division SAGCO Cup crown here recently. In a fitting finale, both the teams pushed their energies to the limit. Salem Husni was leading by 11 points at the end of the second quarter. Many thought it would pocket the crown. But, the resilient Neproplast, without its star player Mabarit, showed no signs of panic, increased the tempo of the game and by the end of the third quarter, no one could guess the outcome of the game. While Nepro forwards, G. Pamular and Beato, were busy attacking the ring to make as many as two points, Salem Husni players resorted to many an attempts to collect three-pointers but failed miserably to convert. Most of their rebounds also were taken by Neproplast players. Salem Husni’s ball-handler, Eric Almirante, was among the Mythical Five players of the tournament. He made valiant efforts as the team fought hard, but when the final whistle echoed, the result stood at 91-87 in favor of Neproplast. G. Pamular was adjudged the Best Player of the final game. He scored 32 points. The game for the third place in B Division was also worth watching as it went in favor of Jeddah Cable (90-86) against PCMC. Mark Mesa of Jeddah Cable was named the Best Player with 25 points. The Mythical Five in the B Division were: Eric Almirante (Salem Husni), Arnold Beato (Neproplast), Archie Tayras (PCMC), Mark Mesa (Jeddah Cable) and Abril Mabarit (Neproplast). Arnold Beato of Neproplast picked up the B Division Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. NCMS, the Catering & various Services provider, sponsored the B Division awards, Cups and gifts. Scores Neproplast 91 - G. Pamular 32, L. Gega 16. Salem Husni 87 - J. Manabat 24, J. Besda 24. Jeddah Cable 90 - Mark Mesa 25, J. Mina 19. PCMC 86 - A. Tayras 23, Tauya 19.