Xavier notches 7th win; St. Stephen's, Hope up

MANILA, Philippines - Three-time defending champion Xavier School held off archrival Chiang Kai Shek College, 72-64, to stay unbeaten in seven games in the Freego Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association high school tournament at the CKSC gym over the weekend.

The Golden Stallions overcame a 10-point deficit in the first half as Kyles Lao struck for 14 points while Reimond Go pulled down 10 rebounds to help power the team to victory.

Xavier scored nine straight points to open the fourth quarter for a 60-52 lead, then thwarted Chiang Kai Shek’s repeated rallies down the stretch.

The win likewise extended Xavier winning record to 26 dating back to the 2008 finals in the event backed by PCSO, Davies Paints, Welcoat, Orocan, Puma, Fern-C, Bantex, PG-Flex, Molten, Healthy Options, Bow & Wow, Burlington, MEC Computer, Converse, Gold’s Gym and Absolute.

Lao finished with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists to earn Freego Player of the Game honors while Jeron Teng made 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Teng, however, had a game-high eight turnovers.

Meantime, the league was formally opened with host Chiang Kai Shek College putting on a show of dance and song that regaled a huge crowd, including guests and officials of both schools.

In other games, Hope Christian High School posted its fifth win in seven outings with a stunning 80-52 thrashing of last year’s finalist St. Jude Catholic School and St. Stephen’s High School repeated over winless Uno High School, 61-40.