MANILA, Philippines – Hope Christian High School held the prolific Jeron Teng to just 14 points and posted a 66-60 win over five-peat seeking Xavier School while St. Jude Catholic School routed Uno High School, 82-44, in the 42nd Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball League Tuesday at the Uno High School gym.
Hope Christian’s defensive dragnet threw the 6-foot-1 Teng out of his comfort zone to notch its second straight win and take the early lead in the seven-team tournament among the country’s premier Fil-Chinese schools.
Delivering for the Steven Tiu-mentored Hope Christian were Don Mendoza, King Benemerito and Clint Doliquez—who all posted double figures aside from holding their ground against Teng and the 6-foot-6 Isaac Go.
Xavier’s defeat was its first in the regular season since dropping its 2008 opener against 14-time champion Chiang Kai Shek College and its second to Hope Christian since Game 1 of their best-of-three title series last year.
Hope Christian, bidding to end a 19-year title drought in the tournament presented by Regan Industrials Sales Inc. and World Balance, was led by Benerito who had 16 markers and 9 rebounds. Mendoza and Doliquez combined for 26 points and as many rebounds.
St. Jude’s victory was a fitting welcome for former La Salle star Cholo Villanueva, who is now handling the team.