Tiong Lian teams reach quarterfinal

MANILA, Philippines - Xavier School stunned UAAP champion Far Eastern University-Diliman, 75-74, to lead the march of the Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) teams to the quarterfinal round of the first Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) at the Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Manila over the weekend.

Jarrell Lim starred for the Golden Stallions’ thrilling win, capping his heroics with a coast-to-coast drive in the final four seconds to notch their second straight win in three games and hand the Baby Tamaraws their second defeat in Group A.

Kyles Lao led multi-titled Xavier with 35 points to firm up his bid for the scoring honors in the tournament put up to give high school players, especially the seniors, more exposure before heading to college.

Lim finished with 12 points while former Phl Under-18 member Isaac Go contributed nine markers and 16 boards.

Ateneo-bound Jerie Pingoy scored 22 points for FEU.

Reigning MMTLBA champion Chiang Kai Shek College and runner-up Hope Christian High School also bested their respective rivals to likewise advance to the last 8 of the event sponsored by MEC Networks, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Blackwater Sports, Wrangler, Welcoat House Paints, Ironcon Builders, Dickies Underwear and Hapee Toothpaste.

Drawing a 34-point performance from Clint Doliquez, the Hope Christian side outlasted the Letran Squires, 70-64, in Group B while the Blue Dragons rallied behind Jeremy Gallemit, Joshua Tan, Kimlee Bayquin and Wilson Bartolome to oust the Thirdy Ravena-led Ateneo Eaglets, 76-74, in Group A.

The victories of the Tiong Lian teams overshadowed the 84-56 drubbing of the NCAA titlist San Beda College over University of Santo Tomas – a win that capped the Red Cubs’ four-game sweep of Group B.

With three straight losses, the Eaglets were the first team to be eliminated in the 10-team tournament while the last quarterfinal slot will be disputed by Letran and National University.

The knockout quarterfinal round will be held on Sunday. The one-game finals, meantime, will be aired on Basketball TV through the sponsorship of BonChon Chicken and Davies Paints.