Xavier blasts UNO, sweeps T Lian elims

MANILA, Philippines - Three-time defending champion Xavier School smothered Uno High School, 144-68, to complete a 12-game sweep of the double-round elimination round even as Hope Christian High School secured the second and last twice-to-beat bonus in the Freego 41st Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association high school tournament at the CKSC gym last Friday.

World Youth veteran Jeron Teng tallied 42 points, 16 rebounds, seven steals and six assists as the Golden Stallions completed their dominance over Uno High.

Backing up Teng, who won another Freego Player of the Game award, were Angelo Wongchuking, Bryan Tan, Francis Yao, Kyles Lao, Chase Tan and Paolo Cabero.

Wongchuking scored nine points and hauled down 10 rebounds while Chase Tan had three triples as the Golden Stallions dealt the Uno cagers their 11th setback in the tournament 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.

Earlier, Hope Christian scored a thrilling 55-52 victory over Chiang Kai Shek College to secure the No. 2 seed in the four-team playoffs and the twice-to-beat advantage.

Hope Christian finished the elims with a 9-3 record following its 82-60 win over Grace Christian High School last Saturday while St. Jude handed Uno High its 12th straight setback, 84-47. decision.

The Final Four will be held Wednesday with Xavier going up against No. 4 seed St. Jude Catholic School while Hope Christian collides again with No. 3 and 14-time champion Chiang Kai Shek College in the other semis pair.

The best-of-three finals will be held on Feb. 15 (Game One) and Feb. 18 (Game Two). A third game, if necessary, will be played on Feb. 22.