Xavier faces St. Jude in Tiong Lian finals

MANILA, Philippines - St. Jude Catholic School made a historic march to the finals by downing host Uno High School, 69-59, to arrange a title showdown with defending champion Xavier School in the 39th Yakult Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTBA) Championship Wednesday at the Uno High School gym.

For the fourth straight time, St. Jude leaned again on the heroics of Derrence Lam and Kim Lo to beat Uno for the first time this conference.

The Goldwyn Monteverde-mentored squad thus earned its first trip to the finals since joining the event, sponsored by Rusty Lopez, Converse, Puma, Davies Paint, FG Jeans, Burlington, MEC Computer, Healthy Options, Absolute Water, Outlast Batteries and PG Flex Linoleum, in 2003.

Xavier went to Jeric Teng in the payoff period to repulse St. Stephen’s High School, 76-65.

The former RP Youth team member scattered 12 of his game-high 32 points in the fourth period to tow Xavier to safety. Teng, son of former PBA bruiser Alvin Teng, also had 11 rebounds.

With the win, St. Jude, which finished the elims with a dismal 1-6 record, is now assured of its best performance since finishing third three years ago.

 - big thanks to the efforts of Lam and Lo who combined for 40 points and 34 rebounds.

Xavier, managed by Caesar Wongchuking of Mighty Sports Association, will be gunning for its eight title since as the Golden Stallions intend to dislodge Chiang Kai Shek as the most dominant team in the league. Chiang Kai Shek has 14 titles to its credit.

Meantime, the best-of-three title series between Chiang Kai Shek and Xavier in the Aspirants division will start tomorrow also at Uno gym. Chiang Kai Shek, managed by Edward Tio and Vencent Ong, is hoping to win its first title in the Aspirants division.