Tiong Lian caging gets going

MANILA, Philippines - The 42nd Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) Juniors tournament fires off today with Xavier School star Jeron Teng hoping to steer the Golden Stallions to a record five-peat and close out his high school career with a flourish.

Xavier tangles with arch rival Chiang Kai Shek in the 1:30 p.m. opener of a triple-bill after the opening rites at 12 noon.

Teng, a former Philippine Youth standout, produced several firsts last year, including a record 104-point burst against this year’s host Grace Christian College. He closed the season with a whopping 39.5 points average and bagged his second MVP award.

Out to foil Teng’s three-peat bid for the MVP plum are the mainstays of Hope Christian High School which won three titles last year, including two against San Beda College in the Fr. Martin’s Cup and FCBL.

MMTLBA chair Dr. James Tan of Grace Christian College will welcome officials and special guests, including PBA commissioner Chito Salud, during the opening ceremony of the event which will have “Moving Forward, Achieving Unity” as a theme. Multi-titled coach Alfrancis Chua is this year’s commissioner.

Grace Christian Colleges takes on Uno High School at 3 p.m. while last year’s runner-up Hope Christian High School battles St. Stephen’s High School at 4:30 p.m. 

St. Jude Catholic School draws a bye in the event presented by Regan Industrial Sales Inc. and World Balance and supported by Uratex, Burlington, Summit Drinking Water, 100 Plus, Supreme Steel Pipe, Superior Pipe and Ace Water Spa. Molten is the official game ball.

One of the highlights in the opening rites is the unveiling of the tournament’s new logo, according to MMTLBA Board member chair Bonnie Tan.

Aside from the juniors division, the league will also have competitions in the Aspirants and Girls High School divisions, also starting today.

For more Tiong Lian news and results, log in at www.tionglianbasketballph.webs.com or www.gameface.ph.