Hope Christian nears Freego cage crown

MANILA, Philippines - Hope Christian High School stopped three-time defending champion Xavier School, 93-82, to move within a win from claiming the Freego 41st Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) crown at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym last Tuesday.

Hope Christian drew big games from Errol Villar, King Benemerito, Janrey Garrido and Jessiery Pedrosa as they ended one of the longest streaks in high school cage history while closing in on snapping their 18-year title drought.

Garrido and Pedrosa produced 22 and 21 points, respectively, but it was Villar who made the biggest play, scoring on a putback at crunch time that gave them an 82-78 lead.

Villar’s basket virtually took the sting out of the Golden Stallions, whose 32-game winning run – the longest in league history – finally came to an end.

Xavier star Jeron Teng had his usual numbers – 45 points, 16 rebounds and three steals – but the rest struggled offensively with Donal Ong (17 points) and Kyles Lao (10 pts) turning in the only other double figures for the team.

Hope Christian goes for a sweep of the best-of-three series at 6 p.m. tomorrow. The event is 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.

The Hope cagers are gunning for their fourth title since winning their first in 1981. They also won in 1983 and 1993 – all under coach Stevenson Tiu. Interestingly, Tiu was a member of the 1981 winning team as a player.

Benemerito emerged as the Freego Player of the Game winner after chipping in 17 points on an impressive 7-of-9 shooting from the field aside from grabbing 11 boards. Villar had 11 points and 15 boards.

If necessary, Game 3 is scheduled on Tuesday.