ATHLETICS

Xavier in Quarterfinals

February 7th, 2007
by Peter Atencio, Manila Standard Today

Posted Tuesday, 13-Feb-2007 3:44 PM

      DEFENDING champion Xavier School stayed on track for another championship showdown with rival Chiang Kai Shek as the elimination phase of the 31st Hitachi Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association Junior Tournament neared its end at the CKSC Gym.

      The Xavier Golden Stallions once again leaned on the monster game of Gabriel Banal to overpower Hope Christian School, 76-72, in this prestigious, seven-school tournament backed by Hitachi.

      With Banal, son of former Talk N Text coach Joel Banal, shooting 17 points, pulling down 14 rebounds, issuing three assists and having two steals, the Stallions took a quarterfinal seat and earned one of three twice-to-beat privileges with their 5-1 card.

     Joining the Golden Stallions with twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinals are St. Stephen’s High School and St. Jude Catholic School.

     With 6’5” Bacolod City prized find Justin Chua lording it over in the shaded lane, the Chiang Kai Shek Dragons zeroed in on a berth in the semifinals in this cagefest also backed by Burlington, Converse, Puma, Anta, Healthy Options, Growers Peanuts and Davies Paints. The Dragons are headed straight into the semis with their immaculate record.

     Pro-Ads Marketing, headed by its president Henry Tan, will broadcast the games every Sundays, on IBC-13 while the rest of the games will be aired via Global Destiny.

     Terrence Lam showed the way with 17 points for the the Dragons, who will attempt to sweep their six-game assignment if they overcome St. Jude tomorrow.

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