Xavier battles CKSC five

MANILA, Philippines — Multititled Xavier School hopes to start its title-retention bid in style as it battles bitter rival Chiang Kai Shek College in the opening of the 17th Chiang San Ching Memorial Alumni Invitational Basketball tomorrow at SGS gym on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.

The Golden Stallions clash with the Blue Dragons at 2 p.m. with the Stallions out to dish out the form that keyed their surprise win over the Dragons last year.

With the current core of CKSC leading the squad, the Dragons have been installed heavy favorites before the start of the tournament.

The Dragons reigned supreme in the NBTC National Finals at the expense of reigning UAAP champion National University two months ago.

The Xavier-CKSC encounter kicks off a three-game schedule on opening day as St. Jude Catholic School collides with St. Stephen’s  at 3:15 p.m. Grace Christian School takes on Manila Patriotic School at 4:30 p.m.

Launched in 1988 by players and officers of the Philippine Kiao Ching Athletic Association, the tournament for under-22 is held annually in memory of its founder Chian San Ching– who passed away in March 1998.

Kiao Ching Athletic Association is acknowledged as the oldest active Filipino-Chinese Sports organization in the country.