Al Cars-backed Hope Christian High School survived a 32-point explosion from Charles Tiu of Xavier School-McDavid x Windsor, eking out a thrilling 82–76 victory in the 30–39 age division of the Smart Sports Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc., presented by Tanduay Athletics, held recently at the Tanduay Gym in Quiapo, Manila.
Thanks to steady shooting from Jobert Mercado, Carl Kenneth Sumalacay, Arjan dela Cruz, and John Apacible, Hope Christian built a commanding 69–48 lead before quelling Xavier’s attempted comeback, securing the solo lead with a perfect 3–0 record.
The loss was Xavier’s first in four games, as the team got only 4 points from former MPBL MVP Gab Banal. The Golden Stallions fell into a tie for second–third place alongside St. Stephen’s-Cellboy.
Mercado spearheaded Hope Christian’s early offensive surge, finishing with 19 points, while Dela Cruz contributed 16 points, including two crucial triples. Sumalacay and Janray Garrido added 12 points each, and Apacible chipped in 9, highlighting Hope Christian’s balanced attack.
In another matchup, St. Jude Catholic School-Linea Metal Furnishing evened its record to 2–2 with an 84–58 rout of winless Uno High School-Golden Peters.
Xavier School is also performing well in the 50–59 division, sharing the lead with St. Stephen’s-Fruits by the Box and Chiang Kai Shek College-Triangle Tires, all boasting 3–1 records. Close behind are Grace Christian College-Hyundai Home Appliances (2–1), Hope Christian HS (2–2), and St. Jude Catholic-Duralite (2–2).
The event is also supported by Genius Hardware, Ultraforce Tires, Cellboy, PGFlex Linoleum, Boysen, Lamtex Pipes, Jiang Nan, Hangry Pares, Powerhouse Tools, L.F. Fireworks, BYD Valenzuela, BAIC, Jetour, Oedo, 1118 Autospa, and TCL.
