Xavier whips GCC in Tiong Lian opener

MANILA, Philippines - Xavier School opened its bid for a second “three-peat” in 10 years in grand fashion, thumping Grace Christian College, 134-58, in the Freego Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) tournament at the Jacinto Tiu Court of Xavier School last Saturday.

RP Youth veteran Jeron Teng sizzled for 40 points on 18-of-25 shooting for the Golden Stallions, who hardly missed the services of Angelo Wongchuking as they drew 29 points from Jett Manuel, 19 from Kevin Lim, 14 from Harold Ng and 11 from Bryan Tan.

Teng, who pumped in 20 points in the first quarter, also finished with six rebounds, three steals, two assists and one block shot in 25 minutes of action to emerge the Freego Player of the Game awardee in the tournament presented by Fresh Gear Revolution Denim.

Also winning their opening games in the event backed by Fern-C and 100 Plus Isotonic Sports Drink are St. Jude Catholic School and Chiang Kai Shek College.

Chiang Kai Shek College, with league-best 14 titles under its belt, leaned on Paul Aduana as it smothered Uno High School, 90-63, while St. Jude blasted Hope Christian High School, 71-50.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Harry Angping, a product of this year’s host Xavier School, graced the inaugurals of the event supported by Outlast Battery, Rusty Lopez, Puma, Converse, Burlington, Davis Paint, MEC Computer, Molten, Bantex Sandal and Bow and Wow Natural Pet Food Store.

Meantime, select games of the tournament will be shown on Channel 13 every Saturday from 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 20 and 27.

Aduana came off the bench to fire 26 points while Jon Ngo hit three straight triples in the first half to finish with 12 points. Alvin Ong paced Uno High with 24 points.

Kim Lo topscored for Judenites with 24 points but it was Jason Ligad who sparked the team’s decisive second quarter run with back-to-back triples. Lo bagged the Freego Player of the Game award.