Xavier forces rubber versus Hope Christian

MANILA, Philippines - Xavier School leaned on a hot start to smother Hope Christian High School, 104-76, and force a rubber match in the Freego 41st Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) Finals Friday at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym.

With Jeron Teng, Angelo Wongchuking and Kyles Lao at the helm, the Golden Stallions came through with a decisive 14-0 run to propel Hope Christian cagers past their rivals in Game 2 of their best-of-three title series.

The winner-take-all match will be held Tuesday with Xavier gunning for a record fourth straight championship.

Hope Christian, which won Game 1, 93-82, is looking for its first title in 18 years and fourth overall since 1983.

Teng finished with 37 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and the same number of steals to win the MVP plum and the Freego Player of the Game award. He also had two shot blocks.

Meantime, Xavier’s Aldrich Tan and St. Jude Catholic School’s Jollina Go emerged as MVP winners in the aspirants and girls division, respectively, of 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.

While Teng, Kyles Lao and Bryan Tan sizzled on the offensive end, Wongchuking shackled Hope top gunner Janrey Garrido in the first three quarters. He finished with 22 points.

Lao wound up with 14 points, including eight in succession to highlight the team’s big run at the start of the third.