Two-time PBA MVP James Yap delivered a vintage performance, firing 25 points to lead defending champion Lamtex Pipes-backed Hua Siong College of Iloilo to an 81–60 drubbing of Xavier School in the opening of the 40s division of the Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc. on Monday, May 11, at the Tanduay Gym in Quiapo.
Though not as fast and quick as before, Yap remained deadly and sharp from beyond the arc, finishing with five triples on nine attempts. He also went a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line in nearly 27 minutes of action.
The match was a far cry from their Game 3 showdown in last year’s Finals, as Powersox-Acrocity-backed Xavier offered little resistance in the absence of Chris Tiu, TY Tang, and Joseph Yeo.
Without the veteran trio, Hua Siong pulled away in the second quarter, with Yap knocking down three triples to give the Red Phoenix a comfortable 46–30 halftime lead.
Equally dominant was Chiang Kai Shek College-Big Chill, which overwhelmed St. Jude Catholic-Linea Metal Furnishings, 101–73, behind former Mapua standout Sean Co and Garri Sevilla.
Co staged a shooting clinic of his own, finishing with 39 points on 7-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, while Sevilla added 24 points, highlighted by three triples.
Jaypee Belecion also made a winning debut for Hua Siong with 11 points, while Eduardo Allado and last year’s Finals MVP Ken Bono chipped in 10 points each.
Paul Chua paced Xavier Golden Stallions with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Eric Ong led St. Jude with 22 points, while Jerry Chang contributed 13 points.
The event is backed 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.
