MANILA – Philippine basketball icons James Yap and Chris Tiu are headed for another championship collision after powering Hua Siong College-Iloilo and Xavier School into a highly anticipated rematch for the Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc. (FCAAI) 40-year division title.
The two former PBA stars starred in separate semifinal victories at the Tanduay Gym in Quiapo, setting up a repeat of last year’s championship series, with defending champion Hua Siong seeking back-to-back crowns and Xavier determined to avenge its finals defeat.
Hua Siong overwhelmed Grace Christian College, 108-74, behind a balanced attack led by Rhagnee Sinco, Kenneth Bono and Yap.
Sinco paced the Golden Stallions with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Bono added 17 points, highlighted by three three-pointers.
Yap, the two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, contributed 14 points in just over 18 minutes of action, knocking down both of his attempts from beyond the arc while adding six rebounds and three assists.
Jaypee Belencion also made his presence felt with 13 points and five assists as Hua Siong cruised into another finals appearance.
Xavier, meanwhile, had to survive a fierce challenge from St. Stephen’s High School before escaping with a 74-71 victory behind a vintage performance from former Rain or Shine guard Chris Tiu.
Tiu erupted for a game-high 34 points, including five crucial markers in the fourth quarter. He delivered the game’s defining moment by drilling a clutch three-pointer that broke a 69-all tie and swung the momentum in Xavier’s favor in the closing minutes.
Joseph Yeo backed Tiu with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Eldridge Liao and Randy Chua combined for 14 points.
Christian Luanzon turned in an outstanding effort for St. Stephen’s with 27 points and 16 rebounds, but his performance fell short as his team bowed out in the semifinals.
The victory arranged another championship duel between Hua Siong and Xavier, renewing the rivalry between Yap and Tiu in the best-of-three finals.
Game 1 of the title series is scheduled on Friday./PN
