Last versus first in Tiong Lian final

It could turn out to be a case of the Biblical “the last will be first” for St. Jude Catholic School, which made it to the finals of the 39th Yakult Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association opposite defending champion Xavier School.

The Judeans, who posted only a win and finished last in the elims of the tournament supported by PG Flex Linoleum and Outlast Batteries and aired over Makisig Network Sky Cable channels 76 and 82, defeated host UNO High, 69-59, in the semis to reach the finals for the very first time since joining the league in 2003.

Admittedly, the 1-2 punch of coach Goldwyn Monteverde will be Kim Lo and Derrence Lam who played big in the quarterfinals where they won twice over Grace Christian College. But helping these two operate efficiently on the shaded area is outside shooter Jason Ligad, a specialist from beyond the three-point arc.

Ligad, who turned 15 last Dec. 28, is only on his second year with the team but has already shown his value. This early though, he knows that pure offense won’t get him far and that is why he is trying hard to improve on his defense.

Ligad, who idolizes Purefoods’ James Yap and LA Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, will most certainly be a factor in the best-of-three finals where St. Jude will be playing the role of underdog. And because there is little pressure as it has already assured itself of its best finish ever in the tournament, St. Jude might just make life a little difficult for Xavier School in the best-of-three finals beginning Tuesday.