Hope Christian thumps Grace CC in Tiong Lian

MANILA, Philippines - Hope Christian High School blasted Grace Christian College, 79-41, for its second straight win in the Freego-Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) Tournament Wednesday at the Chiang Kai Shek gym in Tondo.

Hope Christian, which dropped a 71-50 decision to St. Jude Catholic School in the tournament opener, never trailed throughout as it limited Grace Christian to a pitiful three points in the first quarter before racing to a commanding 40-13 lead at halftime.

Jessie Pedrosa, a prized-find from Iloilo, led Hope with 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals to win the Freego Player of the Game honors in the tournament presented by Fresh Gear Revolution Denim.

It was the third straight defeat for Grace Christian in the tournament supported by Fern-C, 100 Plus Isotonic Sports Drink, Outlast Battery, Rusty Lopez, Puma, Converse, Burlington, Davis Paint, MEC Computer, Molten, Bantex Sandals and Bow & Wow - the Natural Pets Food Store.

In the other game, St. Stephen’s High School spoiled the return of Uno High School skipper Isaac Lim with a 49-44 victory.

It was the first win in three games for the Stephenians who drew big games from Kent Lao and Jesus Martinez. The Uneans dropped to 0-4.

Meantime, select games of the tournament will be aired on IBC 13 at 10:30 p.m. every Saturday.

Defending champion Xavier School (3-0) battles Hope Christian High School and St. Jude Catholic School (3-0) tangles with Chiang Kai Shek College in an explosive doubleheader involving the league’s top four teams.