Xavier reaches MMTLBA final

MANILA, Philippines - Three-peat-seeking Xavier School edged arch rival Chiang Kai Shek College, 91-86, to claim the first finals berth in the Freego-Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) tournament at the Chiang Kai Shek gym in Tondo, Manila last Wednesday.

Under-16 RP team star Jeron Teng and Jose Manuel produced huge numbers as the Golden Stallions advanced to the finals of the tournament presented by Fresh Gear Revolution Denim for the 10th straight time.

Teng led the Golden Stallions with 34 points on 12-of-22 shooting from the field on top of 23 rebounds and five assists in another dominating performance that earned him the Freego Player of the Game honors.

Manuel, on the other hand, finished with 24 points spiked by five triples, while Donal Ong, Bryan Tan, Harold Ng and Kevin Lim also had decent numbers to help the team repel Chiang Kai Shek’s comeback.

Meantime, Hope Christian High School came through with a big third quarter performance to clobber No. 2 seed St. Jude Catholic School, 74-58, and force a winner-take-all match in their own semis series in the event backed by Fern-C, 100 Plus Isotonic Sports Drink, Outlast Battery, Rusty Lopez, Puma, Converse, Burlington, Davis Paint, MEC Computer, Molten, Bantex Sandals and Bow & Wow – the Natural Pets Food Store.

Both Xavier and St. Jude came into the game armed with twice-to-beat privileges for finishing 1-2 at the end of the single-round elims.

Hope Christian and St. Jude dispute the second and last finals berth today with the winner earning the right to face Xavier in a best-of-three title series starting Monday.

King Benemerito shone for Hope Christian as he exploded for 20 points aside from pulling down 16 rebounds.

For his feat, he earned his Freego Player of the Game award.