Hope Christian cops cage plum

MANILA, Philippines - Hope Christian High School crushed Chiang Kai Shek College, 71-64, to sweep the Filipino Chinese Athletic Amateur Federation Basketball Tournament for its third straight championship in the year at the Uno gym in Manila recently.

Hope bucked the absence of top players Janrey Garrido, Wowie Villanueva and John Apacible as coach Stevenson Tiu drew a solid game from rookie guard Jollo Go, who came through with 17 points, highlighted by five triples.

Raymond Tan chipped in 14 points and six assists as Hope Christian, backed by Hapee Toothpaste, Jumbo Plastic, Hope Christian Board of Trustees, Hope Christian Alumni Association Inc. and Infinite Graphix, completed a nine-game sweep of the tournament.

“I think we are lucky this year,” said team manager Bernard Yang. “I have to commend all the players for playing hard, especially in the final half.”

The title romp was a fitting follow-up to its victories in the FCBL and Father Martin’s tournaments early this year where it outclassed NCAA champion San Beda College, respectively.

Also shining for Hope Christian were Errol Vilar, King Benemerito and Clint Doliguez who combined for 30 points and 25 rebounds. 

Tiu was ably assisted by Luis Nolasco, Egay Macaraya and Horacio Lim.

The win also primed up Hope Christian for the Metro Manila Tiong Liang Basketball Tournament slated this December.