DAMMAM (EPBL) - Brian Lato came off the bench and made six of his 25 points in overtime as the Manila Billiard Que Masters subdued the CIASI 7-Eleven Restaurant, 92-89, in League C Division of the 22nd Season, 2nd Conference of Eastern Province Basketball League (EPBL) dubbed as Commissioners Cup at the Ittifaq Club Gymnasium here Friday.

Randy Campuspos scattered 28 points on 12-of-18 shooting, Danilo Dula had 21 points and 5 assists and Lando Herdon added seven points and four assists to ensure a successful return of veteran Head Coach Romie Magno in a thrilling win for the Que Masters.

The game was highlighted with 10-deadlocks and six lead changes. The CIASI team led at the turn with a 40-36 advantage with Edmund Edades and Allan Selin at the helm. But the Que Masters Ricky Mamaid had a layup to put the game at 40-all, after which the game went to a see-saw battle before Danilo Dula converted a three-point play to put Que Masters on top 58-55 at the end of the third period.

7-Eleven slotman Marlon Valdez led all scorers with a spectacular game high 45 points had a long three pointer that sent the game into overtime 80-80, with 11.7 seconds left.

The Que Masters could have won in the regulation but got sloppy with the ball on offense on the last play and allowed 7-Eleven's Manny Apostol's hefty defense to steal the ball as time expired.

In the extra period, Lato sank two consecutive layups, Dula had two free throw shots and Campuspos' leaner from the right wing gave the Que Masters a 9-2 run in the first three minutes for an 89-82 lead. But James Bayangos and Valdez retaliated to inch the score closer at 89-86 with 1:12 left.

The CIASI team was trying to find Valdez for a key three-pointer but his shot was too strong. Two free-throws by Lato sealed the game with 16 seconds remaining.

In another thrilling battle, Saudi Readymix survived scary moments against a strong Taseco team 87-82, Al Bilad Fire Fighting Solutions Company won against Al Binali Company in a rout 91-70; Dobim Tigers roared to their first win against D'Barkads team 73-60; and Sharbatly Fruits surprised White House Optical 91-66.

By Romeo O. Navidad
Local Correspondent in Saudi Arabia