Garrido stars as Hope nips Chiang Kai Shek

MANILA, Philippines—Janray Garrido hit a triple with 42 seconds left to play to power Hope Christian High School to a thrilling 59-57 win over Chiang Kai Shek College and into the semifinals of the 42nd Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association Tournament at the Uno High School Gym Saturday.

With Hope Christian facing the specter of a first defeat, Garrido rose to the occasion twice—first by coming through with a perfect assist to Clint Doliquez before hitting the game’s biggest shot.

The win was the fifth straight for the Hope Christian cagers, thus assuring themselves of the No. 1 slot in the semifinals even if they drop their last game against Uno High on Saturday.

The Blue Dragons, the league’s winningest squad with 14 titles, had a chance to send the game into overtime but John Kevin Baytan, under pressure from Hope’s tight defense, failed to launch a decent shot.

Also helping the cause of Hope Christian in the tournament presented by Regan Industrials Sales Inc. and World Balance were Don Mendoza and King Benemerito who scored 13 and 10 points, respectively.

The Blue Dragons, who beat Uno High School last Friday, slipped to 3-2.

In the other game, St. Jude Catholic School leaned on Jason Ligad’s 29 points to down St. Stephen’s High School, 79-50, and improve to 2-2.

In Aspirants play, CKSC blasted St. Stephen’s, 112-47; Grace Christian bested Hope Christian, 49-37, and defending champion Xavier trounced St. Jude Catholic School, 76-52.