Xavier School and Hope Christian High School are set to renew a rivalry that traces its roots back to their battles in the Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball League, as they clash in not just one but two Finals series in the Smart Sports Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc., beginning Monday at the Tanduay Gym.
Hope and Xavier will be gunning for basketball glory in both the 30s and 50s-and-above divisions following their dominant runs through the eliminations and playoffs.
Backed by McDavid x Windsor, Xavier’s 30s squad enters the Finals with momentum, while its 50s-and-above team, supported by Emerald, looks to complete a twin-title bid for the Stallions.
Speaking during the Finals press conference at the Oriental Palace on Friday, April 17, the coaches of the four squads agreed that the best-of-three duels will be fiery yet thrilling, regardless of age.
“I think it will boil down to first, the availability of the players. Some of our players are really busy, may mga commitments,” said Xavier 30s division head coach Howie Chang, who was joined by 50s team mentor Ryan Dy.
“Then at the end of the day, it will boil down to pride. We can say that we really put emphasis on playing for pride and glory,” he added, as Xavier hopes to have Charles Tiu back in time for the Finals series. Aside from Tiu, the Stallions are also expected to lean on key contributors Kyles Lao and Gab Banal.
“I’m still trying to recover in time for the Finals after sustaining an AC joint sprain last week. I love playing for Xavier—it’s meaningful for me as one of the older guys to go up against younger MPBL players and even former college players,” said Tiu, who torched Hope for 32 points in their 82-76 win in the eliminations.
For Hope 30s team head coach Jerson Cabiltes, the Finals will come down to desire and effort.
“I’ll just put emphasis on which team wants it more. I just don’t want to see my team get out-hustled. We’ll give our effort in every possession. We’re gonna do it every second,” said Cabiltes, who is joined by 50s-and-above team tactician Stevenson Uy.
