Hope Christian sweeps Fil-Chinese cagefest

MANILA, Philippines—Hope Christian High School clinched its third straight title in grand fashion by downing Chiang Kai Shek College, 71-64, to sweep the recent Filipino Chinese Athletic Amateur Federation Basketball Tournament at the Uno gym in Manila.

Without top players Janrey Garrido, Wowie Villanueva and John Apacible, Hope Christian coach Stevenson Tiu went to Jollo Go and the rookie guard responded by scoring 17 points—15 of them from the 3-point area—to help his team pull away for good.

Raymond Tan chipped in 14 points and six assists as Hope Christian, supported by Hapee Toothpaste, Jumbo Plastic, Hope Christian Board of Trustees, Hope Christian Alumni Association Inc. and Infinite Graphix, completed a 9-game sweep of the tournament.

“I think we are lucky this year,” said team manager Bernard Yang. “I have to commend all the players for playing hard, especially in the final half.”

The title win was a fitting follow up to Hope Christian’s victories in the FCBL and Father Martin’s tournaments early this year where it bested NCAA champion San Beda College.
Also shining for Hope Christian were Errol Vilar, King Benemerito and Clint Doliguez who combined for 30 points and 25 rebounds.

Tiu was ably assisted by Luis Nolasco, Egay Macaraya and Horacio Lim.