St. Jude stuns Hope Christian

MANILA, Philippines - St. Jude Catholic School rode on Ryan Chua and Jason Ligad to stun title-favorite Hope Christian High School, 70-67, in the Freego Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association tournament at the Uno gym last Wednesday.

The 5-foot-10 Chua, who averaged just 2.6 points in 10 games last season, sizzled with 23 points, including three triples, the last shattering a 63-all count that gave St. Jude the lead for good.

Ligad shot 21 points as St. Jude, runner-up to Xavier School the past two years, opened its title bid in the league presented by Freego and supported by Welcoat, Orocan, Burlington, Molten, Healthy Options and Bow & Wow on a high note.

Chua also had eight rebounds and three assists to win the Freego Player of the Game award.

King Benemerito and Janrey Garrido tallied 16 points each for Hope Christian.