Hope cops Freego Cup crown; Villar finals MVP

MANILA, Philippines - Hope Christian High School (HCHS) dethroned defending champion San Beda in a lung-busting triple overtime, 103-100, to win the fourth FCBL Freego title Saturday at the Buddhacare Gym.

HCHS blew a couple of chances in regulation and second extra period then started strong in third overtime to seize control of the marathon match and claim their first crown in the annual high school cagefest also supported by Talk ‘N Text.

Errol Villar finished with a game-high 31 points and provided stability in Hope’s offense especially in the third overtime.

Villar was also named Freego Finals Most Valuable Player of the tournament also supported by Powerbest Mktg Inc., Colt Commercial, Oceanic Container Lines Inc., Old Chinatown Kopitiam, Mandarin Sky Seafood Shabu-Shabu Restaurant, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Fresh Gear, Apple Tape and Happe Toothpaste.

King Benemerito added 17 markers for HCHS but almost played the goat in second overtime as his careless indbound pass was stolen by Red Cub Lemuel Paterno that led to an uncontested lay-up that sent the game in third extra inning, 88-all.

  In third OT, Villar anchored an 8-1 salvo for Hope to erect a 96-89 lead with less than three minutes left remaining and never looked back.

Meanwhile, the league named the Mythical Five Team composed of Xavier’s Jeron Teng, Jay Alejandro of Mapua, Jerie Pingoy of FEU, UST’s Paulo Florentino and Abarcan.

Hope’s Stevenson Tiu was also honored as the Best Coach of the tournament.

In the battle for third place, National University demolished Mapua, 99-81.