Xavier School opened its drive for a second “3-peat” in 10 years in grand fashion as the Golden Stallions crushed Grace Christian College, 134-58, in the opening of the Freego Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) Tournament Saturday at the Jacinto Tiu Court of Xavier School.

RP Youth veteran Jeron Teng led the Golden Stallions’ mighty assault as he sizzled for 40 points on 18-of-25 shooting aside from posting six rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one blocked shot in 25 minutes of action in the tournament presented by Fresh Gear Revolution Denim.

The son of former San Miguel Beer bruiser mocked the defense put on him to score 20 points right in the opening quarter to emerge as the Freego Player of the Game. His brilliance rubbed off on four other Xavier players who all scored in double figures with Jett Manuel producing 29 points on top of eight assists.

Also winning their opening games in the event backed by Fern-C and 100 Plus Isotonic Sports Drink are St. Jude Catholic School and Chiang Kai Shek College.

Proud owner of the most number of titles with 14, Chiang Kai Shek College leaned on Paul Aduana to beat Uno High School, 90-63, while St. Jude reaffirmed its mastery over Hope Christian High School, 71-50.

Philippine Sports Commission Chair Harry Angping, a product of this year’s host – Xavier School – graced the opening day of the event supported by Outlast Battery, Rusty Lopez, Puma, Converse, Burlington, Davis Paint, MEC Computer, Molten, Bantex Sandal, and Bow & Wow Natural Pet Food Store.

Meantime, select games of the tournament will be shown on IBC 13 every Saturday from 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 20 and 27.

Aduana came off the bench to score 26 points while Jon Ngo hit three straight triples in the first half to finish with 12 points Alvin Ong paced Uno High with 24 markers.

Kim Lo topscored for Judenites with 24 points but it was Jason Ligad who sparked the team’s decisive second quarter run with back-to-back triples. Lo bagged the Freego Player of the Game award.

Aside from Teng and Manuel, also scoring in double figures for the Golden Stallions were Kevin Lim (19 points), Harong Ng (14) and Bryan Tan (11). They hardly missed the services of Angelo Wongchuking.