DAMMAM: The Zuhair Fayez Partnership Consultants beat Zamil CoolCare in Inter-Company League C, 70-57, for a 2-1 victory in the best-of-three finals of the Eastern Province Basketball League “Friendship Cup” at Al-Ettifaq Club here Friday. It was the consultants' first appearance in the EPBL and earned the coveted crown undefeated through the eliminations. After losing game one of the finals, the boys of coach Joel Bandiola ran a balanced offense and defense in games two and three to earn the victory. Both teams were fully supported by their company executives, and brought their noisy crowds, drums and trumpets, which added to the excitement. Zamil CoolCare looked very impressive at the start with a 4-0 run, but the Consultants made up with a 7-2 assault, capped by a John Fandino triple and Rowell Jocson back-to-back baskets to gain an upper hand at 7-6. Carlo Algerre hit a short jumper to put CoolCare in the lead, but Zuhair Fayez held on for a 14-13 lead at the end of the period. The consultants took advantage of a six-minute drought by CoolCare in the second quarter to extend their lead to 24-13, but Miguelito Placino's three-point play broke the silence of Zamil for a 16-24 score, but the consultants added to their lead to make it 35-22 at the turn. MVP awardee Olivier Claudel completely erased a Zamil rally in the third period with a solid defense that complimented his 10 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks for a commanding 58-35 advantage. Zamil had a furious rally in the fourth period with a 19-2 run to cut the deficit to only six at 54-60, with 2:50 remaining. However, Zamil gunner Michael Arancillo fouled-out in the stretch and the CoolCare managed to score only 3-points the rest of the way. The consultants Roldan Santos, Rowell Jocson and Olivier, together with Arancillo and Mario Guinto of Zamil were named the mythical five. Meanwhile, Panda Hypermarket earned its comeback championship victory via a lopsided 91-68 win against defending champion Al-Bilad Fire Fighting Company to complete a two-game sweep in the best-of-three finals in Inter-Company League B-2 division. EPBL 23rd year is sponsored by Al-Falak System Solution and Consulting Company and Saudi Ready Mix Concrete Company “Green Machine”, Gulf Consolidated Contractors Company, Telemony, Al-Enaizi Enterprises, Phuket Restaurant and Aling Cecile's Catering. In another title match, Zamil Industrial Basketball Team notched Game One in Inter-Company League B-1 division with a 97-86 decision against the Al-Falak team. Multi-MVP awardee Darwin Tuazon again had a game high of 30 points and seven rebounds. __
