Xavier extends reign in Tiong Lian cagefest

MANILA, Philippines - Xavier School established itself as the most dominant team of the decade by retaining its title in the 39th Yakult Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTBA) Championship in grand fashion Friday at the Uno High School gym.

With brothers Jeric and Jeron Teng and Ian Umali at the helm, Xavier came through with an explosive fourth quarter performance to beat St. Jude Catholic School, 83-69, and complete a nine-game sweep of the tournament.

Jeric Teng, the hands down choice for the MVP award, tallied 31 points and 13 rebounds while Umali and Jeron Teng combined for 26 points and 14 boards as the Golden Stallions swept their best-of-three series.

They took Game 1, 116-74.

MMTBA chairman Milton Yu of host Uno High School and other league officials awarded the championship trophy to Xavier School in 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.

It was actually a golden double for Xavier School as it also ruled the Aspirants division by beating long-time rival Chiang Kai Shek College, 74-65.