Xavier sweeps elims; Grace finishes second

MANILA, Philippines -- Defending champion Xavier School demolished St. Jude, 118-73, to complete a six-game sweep of the elims in the 39th Yakult Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTBA) Championship Friday at the Uno High School gym in Manila.

Teng brothers Jeric and Jeron starred for the Golden Stallions as they combined for more than half of the team’s output by scoring 47 and 20 points, respectively.

Aside from clinching an outright semis berth, the Caesar Wongchuking-managed Xavier School also secured a twice-to-beat advantage against its opponent in the tournament sponsored by Rusty Lopez, Converse, Puma, Davies Paint, FG Jeans, Burlington, MEC Computer, Healthy Options, Outlast Batteries and PG Flex Linoleum.

Grace Christian College ended a two-game losing run with an 83-67 win over 14-time champion Chiang Kai Shek College over the weekend to finish second at the end of the single round elims.

GCC actually ended up tied with host Uno High School on a 4-2 record but it gained the No. 2 spot by virtue of the winner over the other rule. Uno closed out its elims campaign with 63-56 victory over Hope Christian High School to gain a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal along with GCC.