St. Stephen five thwarts St. Jude

MANILA, Philippines - St. Stephen’s High School St. Jude Catholic School, 60-58, in the Freego 41st Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) high school tournament at the CKSC gym last Tuesday.

St. Jude’s Mark Ong flubbed two charities in the last 1.1 seconds, enabling St. Stephen to steal the win and finish the double-round elims with a 7-5 slate.

The victory also paved the way for the recall of the order for a replay between Chiang Kai Shek College and St. Jude Catholic School since its result would no longer affect the standings.

St. Jude put their 61-60 defeat to CKSC last week under protest, claiming the clock should have been stopped at 9.3 seconds and not at 6.1 during a play where CKSC’s Paul Aduana made the winning free throws.

Kent Lao scored 18 points and 20 rebounds for SSHS to bag the Freego Player of the Game honors.

Earlier, Chiang Kai Shek College notched its eight win in 11 games in the elims by downing Grace Christian College, 94-68, in the event backed by PCSO, Davies Paints, Welcoat, Orocan, Puma, Fern-C, Bantex, PG-Flex, Molten, Healthy Options, Bow & Wow, Burlington, MEC Computer, Converse, Gold’s Gym and Absolute.

Despite their defeat, the Judenites (5-6) claimed the last semis berth, thus joining three-time defending champion Xavier, Chiang Kai Shek College and Hope Christian High School in the next phase.

Hope Christian and 14-time champion Chiang Kai Shek College dispute the No. 2 spot and the last twice-to-beat advantage tomorrow. Xavier secured the first twice-to-beat bonus with an 11-0 record and it will face St. Jude in the Final Four.