Hope Christian eyes 2nd Martin Cup title

Manila, Philippines - Hope Christian High School hopes to repeat over NCAA champion San Beda when they face-off in the Fr. Martin’s Cup tomorrow at the San Beda College gym.

Backed by Hapee owner and HCHS OIC principal Cecilio Pedro, the Stevenson Tiu-mentored squad is confident of beating the Cubs for the second straight time this month since their Freego FCBL championship.

Tipped to lead the team’s title bid again in their 9:30 a.m. encounter are Errol Villar, Don Mendoza, King Benemerito and Janrey Garrido.

With Villar coming through with clutch baskets, Hope Christian outlasted San Beda in triple overtime, 103-100, to capture the FCBL title last June 4. Villar went on to win the MVP honors.

On its way to the championship, Hope Christian, managed by Bernard Yang and supported by Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Hope Christian Board of Trustees, Hope Alumni Association Inc., Infinite Grafix and Oceanic Container Lines Inc., swept the group elims then reached the finals by trouncing San Beda B, 92-84.

Hope Christian is also priming up for the Tiong Lian basketball - the premier high school tournament among Fil-Chinese schools in Metro Manila.