Tiu, Yeo to grace Tiong Lian rites

MANILA, Philippines –  Smart Gilas Pilipinas co-captain Chris Tiu and San Miguel Beer’s Joseph Yeo lead an array of former stars who will be honored when the Freego 41st Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) tournament holds its official opening ceremony tomorrow at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym.

Tiu and Yeo will be joined by fellow ex-Xavier standouts TY Tang of Rain or Shine, Woody Co, Gabriel Banal, Jeric Teng, Jet Manuel and Paule Pe and former Chiang Kai Shek stalwart Justin Chua.

Also to be cited are Chiang Kai Shek’s Garri Sevilla, Alexander Wong, Sean Christopher Co, St. Stephen’s Kish Co, Jason Pascual and Christian Luanzon, Uno High School’s Gilbert Lao and St. Jude’s Kim Lo.

In cooperation with Taiwan Centennial Celebration, host Chiang Kai Shek College is expected to stage a dazzling opening show that will start at 12 noon.

Meanwhile, Xavier completed a six-game sweep of the first round of the juniors competition by blasting Uno High School, 133-61, in the event backed by PCSO, Davies Paints, Welcoat, Orocan, Puma, Fern-C, Bantex, PG-Flex, Molten, Healthy Options, Bow and Wow, Burlington, MEC Computer, Converse, Gold’s Gym and Absolute.

Jeron Teng became the first player to notch a rare triple-double performance this season with 29 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. The win enabled the Golden Stallions to stretch their winning run to 25 dating back to the 2008 finals.

In the other game, Chiang Kai Shek College routed St. Jude Catholic School, 80-57, to forge a three-way tie for second place with Hope Christian and its victim at 4-2.

Protecting a slim 28-20 lead, the Blue Dragons scored 10 unanswered points - six

by Greg Gimado and four by Paul Aduana - to pad their lead to 38-20.

Teng nd Gimando emerged as Freego Players of the Game.