Three-peat seeking Xavier School and St. Jude Catholic School secured the two outright semis berths by downing their respective rivals in the Freego-Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA) Tournament.

Drawing another inspired performances from Jeron Teng, Harold Ng, Kevin Lim, Donal Ong and Jose Manuel, Xavier outlasted the stubborn Hope Christian High School, 100-83, to clinch its fourth straight win last Friday at the Jacinto Tiu Court of Xavier School.

Then last Saturday, the Golden Stallions picked up their fifth straight victory following their 133-76 drubbing of winless Uno High School where Teng combined forces again with Manuel, Ng and Angelo Wongchuking to stay unbeaten in the tournament presented by Fresh Gear Revolution Denim.

After a 26-point performance against Hope Christian, Teng tallied 27 points and 9 rebounds in just 19 minutes of action while Manuel and Ng chipped in 24 and 15 markers. Wongchuking added 10 markers.

The Judenites chalked up their fourth straight victory by downing multi-titled Chiang Kai Shek College, 59-58, in a game also held last Friday. Like the Golden Stallions, the Judenites also claimed twice-to-beat advantage in the semis.

Meantime, St. Stephen's High School forged a three-way tie for third to fifth places with Chiang Kai Shek and Hope Christian by beating Grace Christian College, 62-52, in the tournament supported by Fern-C, 100 Plus Isotonic Sports Drink, Outlast Battery, Rusty Lopez, Puma, Converse, Burlington, Davis Paint, MEC Computer, Molten, Bantex Sandals and Bow & Wow, the Natural Pets Food Store.