Hope Christian keeps Fr. Martin cage crown

MANILA—Hope Christian High School, drawing another solid performance from King Benemerito and Raymond Tan, reaffirmed its supremacy over San Beda College, 81-76, and retained its Father Martin’s Cup crown Sunday at the San Beda College gym.

It was the second title by Hope Christian in two weeks as it also beat the Red Cubs in triple overtime during the Freego FCBL Cup, 103-100.

Hope Christian, supported by Hapee Toothpaste owner and OIC principal Cecilio K. Pedro and managed by Bernard Yang, also beat San Beda in last year’s edition of the Fr. Martin’s Cup.

“The win this time is sweeter,” said coach Stevenson Tiu in Filipino after his wards won all their 11 assignments in the tournament.

The Red Cubs led most of the game until Benemerito, who finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, completed a steal with less than two minutes left that gave them a 71-70 lead.

Tan capped his brilliant fourth quarter show with a triple in the next play to practically seal the victory.