CKS, Hope Christian duel in Tiong Lian

MANILA, Philippines - The BonChon Chicken-Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) kicks off Saturday at the CKSC gym in Manila with reigning champion Chiang Kai Shek College and Hope Christian High School clashing in a finals rematch.

Bannered by Joshua Tan and Al Salim, the Blue Dragons will be seeking their 16th title in the country’s premier Fil-Chinese schools league when they clash with the Hope Christian at 4:30 p.m.

The Golden Stallions, who were stunned by the Blue Dragons in the semis, open their title quest against Grace Christian College at 3 p.m. while St. Stephen’s High School, this year’s host, collides with St. Jude Catholic School in the opening game of the six-team tournament.

The league, now on its 43rd season, is presented by BonChon Chicken and backed by Solar Basketball TV, Molten and Summit Water.
As host squad, St. Stephen toughened up to contend for the crown against the league’s giants like CKSC, Hope Christian and Xavier.

St. Stephen’s school officials, headed by its principal Judy Tan and sports moderator Lim Em Beng, will lead the opening rites along with officials of Fil-Chinese community and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“We expect another exciting race for the championship,” said Lim. “While Chiang Kai Shek remains the title favorite, there are teams determined to unseat them.”

Lim cited the recent achievement of Hope Christian which became the first champion team of the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championships last month by beating the teams from UAAP and NCAA.