Xavier starts bid in Tiong Lian tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Xavier School starts its drive for a second three-peat in 10 years as it battles Grace Christian High School today in the opener of the Freego-Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) tournament at the Jacinto Tiu Court of Xavier School.

The Golden Stallions collide with Grace Christian in the featured match at 4:30 p.m. with the San Juan-based school out to extend its reign to three years in the eight-team tournament presented by Fresh Gear Revolution Denim and supported by Fern-C and 100 Plus Isotonic (Sports) Drink.

The Golden Stallions are out to duplicate the feat of the former Xavier team, backstopped by Joseph Yeo, TY Tang and Chris Tiu, which ruled the league for three years starting in 2001.

 PSC chair Harry Angping will be the special guest of honor in the opening ceremony at 12 noon. Also invited are Hsu Peiyung, minister of TECO, and Angel Ngu, president of FCAAF.

Aside from Freego and FG Revolution Denim, other backers of the 40th edition of the league hosted by Xavier School are Outlast Battery, Rusty Lopez, Puma, Converse, Burlington, Davies Paint, MEC Computer, Molten, Bantex Sandal and Bow & Wow the Natural Pet Food Store.

Aside from Chiang Kai Shek College, also out to foil Xavier’s three-peat bid is Hope Christian High School which is seeking to end a 17-year title drought.

Clashing at 1:30 p.m. are Hope Christian High School and St. Jude High School while Chiang Kai Shek College, which owns the most number of titles with 14, tangles with Uno High School.

Jeron Teng, member of the RP U-16 team that placed fourth in the FIBA-Asia U-16 Championship in Malaysia, is expected to lead Xavier’s charge together with Jose Anton “Jett” Manuel.