DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia - Jarir Bookstore got past the Middle East Battery Company (MEBCO) 79-69 to record their second win in five outings and keep their hopes alive in the Inter-Company Division elimination at the jam-packed Eastern Province Basketball League in this bustling city.

Bookstore showed great resolve at clutch time in the fourth quarter behind Marvin Abaco, Rolly Hadloc, Jay dela Torre and Jerome Ibarola to create a comfortable 16-point margin at the end of the third period 55-39. The Battery specialists pounded a 16-8 run with Rodel Rosas connecting back to back threes 63-55 with 5:13 remaining.

Abaco produced five of his eight points in that late spell, including two offensive rebounds; Hadloc contributed two baseline jumpers in his 19-points performance, while Torre and Ibarola connected with three-pointers in the free throw lane to help seal a 10-point victory.

Romeo Rosas led the MEBCO team with 19 points while Ricky Opiso had 15, but it wasn't enough to keep them in contention for the Commissioners Cup title with a record of one win and three losses.

The scores: Jarir Bookstore 79 - Hadloc 19; dela Torre 18; Martillano 10; Abaco 8; Ibarolla 8; Santiago 5; Raheem 4; Zurbito 2; Magundayao 2; Carabido 2; Awatin 1

MEBCO 69 - Rosas Rodel 19; Opiso 15; Basallajes 9; Rosas Romeo 8; Parutina 6; Alanday 6; Mosende 4; Pinili 2. Quarterscore: 20-12; 37-22; 55-39; 79-69

Isam Kabbani's Construction and Maintenance (COSMA) Division and Al Falak Electronic Equipment and Supplies Company are the major sponsors of the 21st Season of EPBL Commissioners Cup competition, supported by Al Majdouie Group, Phuket Restaurant, Cecile's Catering, McDonalds and The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Meanwhile, King Fahad Specialist Hospital took control towards the end of the third quarter then hung on to win a 69-65 cliffhanger after a 61-61 deadlock in the last two minutes against favorites Saudi Oger. This assures them of a place in the knock-out ladder matches with a 3-2 win record.

The game featured seven occasions when the scores were tied and the lead changed hands 11 times. There was never more than five points between the teams in the final stretch. Shadel Kaiting and Llacer had 23 points apiece for the Hospitals while Zandro Petallana had 29 for the Saudi Oger team.

In the other matches Abdullah Fouad hit the winning column as they slipped past PI Consult 50-42; Airbase defeated Zahid Tractors Volvo 56-51; CIASI (Samahang Ilocanos) dumped Khobar Skyhookers 80-73 for their first win; M.R.Khathlan had an easy win against Hyper Panda 79-55 while Inter-Company defending champion Al Falak beat Radicon Gulf 68-58 to stay on top of the standings with a clean 4-0 slate. 

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