Fancied Xavier not taking St. Jude lightly

MANILA, Philippines - Despite its sweep of the elims, Xavier School remains wary of its chances as it opens defense of its crown against St. Jude Catholic School in the 39th Yakult Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association beginning tomorrow at the UNO High School gym.

Xavier coach Lito Vergara hopes the Stallions will remain focused in their best-of-three series as they brace for a tough outing against the St. Jude side, looking for its first title since joining the league in 2003.

St. Jude Catholic School finished last in the elims but made it all the way to the finals by winning twice over Grace Christian College in the quarterfinals and then beating host UNO High in the semis.

Focus will be on the prolific Jeric Teng, a national youth standout, and Jose Anton Manuel, a top rebounder who can also score from the perimeter.

The 6-0 Manuel seeks to develop leadership qualities as he is tipped to become Xavier’s main man with the graduation of Teng at the end of the school year.

The tournament is supported by PG Flex Linoleum and Outlast Batteries and aired over Makisig Network Sky Cable channels 76 and 82.