San Ching Memorial caging up

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled Xavier School and archrival Chiang Kai Shek College clash in a duel of the fancied teams in the opening of the 17th Chiang San Ching Memorial Alumni Invitational Basketball tomorrow at the SGS gym on Araneta Avenue Quezon City.

The Golden Stallions and the Blue Dragons tangle at 2 p.m. with the former out to dish out the form that keyed their surprise win over their rivals who were fancied to dominate the event last year.

But with the current core of CKSC leading the squad, the Dragons are out for revenge, hoping to come up with a follow-up to their NBTC title conquest over reigning UAAP champion National University two months ago.

The Xavier-CKSC duel kicks off a three-game schedule with St. Jude Catholic School colliding with St. Stephen’s  at 3:15 p.m. and Grace Christian School taking on Manila Patriotic School at 4:30 p.m.

Launched in 1988 by players and officers of the Philippine Kiao Ching Athletic Association, the tournament for under-22 is held annually in memory of its founder Chian San Ching – who passed away in March 1998.

Kiao Ching Athletic Association is widely considered as the oldest active Filipino-Chinese Sports organization in the country, having produced several PBA players, including Xavier’s Jeric Teng, Chris Tiu and Joseph Yeo, and Chiang Kai Shek’s Justin Chua

Philippine Cultural College, which is hoping to make an impact this year, drew an opening bye in the tournament supported by Rusty Lopez and Supercharger by Big Chill.

The seven teams, according to commissioner Reynaldo “Boy” De Vera, play a double round elims with the top two teams disputing the title.