Hope cops first slot in Tiong Lian semis

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

Facing the specter of absorbing their first defeat, Garrido rose to the occasion twice – first by coming through with a beautiful assist on Clint Doliquez inside before hitting the game’s biggest shot that completed their remarkable comeback.

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

The Blue Dragons, the winningest squad in the seven-team tournament with 14 titles, had a chance to send the game into overtime but John Kevin Baytan failed to launch a decent shot – no thanks to Hope’s air-tight defense – in the dying seconds.

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

Garrido, being pursued by several UAAP teams, finished with eight points, including two triples, aside posting eight assists and two steals.

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

In the other game in the tournament backed by Uratex, Burlington, Summit Drinking Water, 100 Plus, Supreme Steel Pipe, Superior Pipe, Ace Water Spa and Molten, St.Jude Catholic School improved to 2-2 by downing St. Stephen’s High School, 79-50, through the 29-point explosion of hotshot Jason Ligad.

In the Aspirants division, Chiang Kai Shek College romped to a 112-47 win over St. Stephen’s while host Grace Christian downed Hope Christian 49-37 and defending champion Xavier trounced St. Jude Catholic School, 76-52.