KUWAIT CITY, Nov 26: Even in the light of day black color stood out as the black dribblers of the Skippers lifted the coveted title after brushing aside M/Y Loulwa 2 Sea Force in the championship match of the just concluded 2011 FSCK Basketball Tournament organized by the Filipino Sailors Club in Kuwait. In the other game of the day, M/Y Lady Lulwa snatched the 2nd runner up post after subduing M/Y Nasser who settled for the 3rd runner up position.
Before the much awaited finale of the tournament, M/Y Lady Lulwa and M/Y Nasser went out to the hard court first to contest the 2nd and 3rd runner up positions. With Aron Segobia and Celo Abucayon contributing 8 and 6 points apiece, M/Y Nasser went up by 8 points 22-14 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, Gerry Gimena and Raul Rocaberte slowly put the M/Y Lady Lulwa closer and even succeeded in giving the green shirts the lead 33-30 at the half time buzzer.

Back for the third quarter action, the two squads traded baskets and as Noven Narag found the range M/Y Nasser was back in the driver’s seat at the end of the quarter taking a slim 57-56 lead. In the final quarter the M/Y Lady Lulwa cagers headed by the prolific Gerry Gimena quickly regained control of the ballgame. After outscoring M/Y Nasser 33-23, M/Y Lady Lulwa went home with an 89-80 victory and the 2nd runner up plum with it. Leading point makers of the game are as follows: M/Y Lady Lulwa (89), Gerry Gimena-39, Raul Rocaberte-18, Ian Monterola-14, Jeff Barnuevo-14, Emil Majestrado-2, Rojie Roxas-2; M/Y Nasser (80), Noven Narag-30, Aron Segobia-22, Celo Abucayon-16, Vernie Arcayera-8, William Bazar-8.

With the stage set for the championship game, the Skippers and M/Y Loulwa 2 Sea Force tacticians fielded in the first fives for the opening quarter of the ball game. Getting maximum output from Noli Abellera who drilled in 11 points together with Sherwin Sanchez and Benjie Sta. Maria, M/Y Loulwa 2 out played the Skippers in the first 12 minutes of play to take a 20-11 lead. Although the black shirts managed to trim down the lead of Sea Force to 4 courtesy of Joseph Nogan and Renan Malubay, the M/Y Loulwa 2 white shirts hanged to a 33-29 lead at the half.
Coming back with a more balanced lineup, the Skippers crew dominated both offense and defense in the third quarter. Bannered by Rowie Jadion and Joseph Nogan the Skippers finally moved in front 55-52 after outscoring Loulwa 2 26-19.
With the momentum of the game in their favor, the Skippers went on to win the title via a convincing 77-68 count. Top scorers of the are as follows: Skippers (77), Joseph Nogan-28, Renan Malubay-20, Rowie Jadion-19, Jhun Silagan-5, Doming Ortega-4, Juan Alix-2; M/Y Loulwa 2 (68), Noli Abellera-22, Sherwin Sanchez-15, Ed Agramon-12, Alwin Robes-9, Benjie Sta. Maria-8, Arjhey Lingo-7.