St. Stephen’s High School spoiled the return of Uno High School skipper Isaac Lim from a two-game absence with a 49-44 victory over the winless Uneans last January 20 in a Juniors Division matchup in the 40th Freego Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association tournament held at the Chiang Kai Shek gym in Tondo.

It was the first win in three games for the Stephenians following back-to-back losses to St. Jude Catholic School (54-40) and two-time defending champion Xavier School (96-55).

Coach Jojo Villa’s troops trailed by as much as seven points (26-33) in the early minutes of the third quarter. A 16-4 run built around Kent Lao’s six points and three-pointers from Jesus Martinez and Brix Ong, however, gave St. Stephen’s a 42-37 lead just before the period ended (42-38).

Lim opened the fourth quarter with a jumper to push Uno within two, 42-40. St. Stephen’s struck back with six straight points, including four from Martinez, to establish a 48-40 advantage midway through the payoff period that was characterized by horrendous shooting as both teams combined for a measly 13 points (seven by St. Stephen’s).

Two players posted a double-double for St. Stephen’s. Burly center Kent Lao, the Freego Player of the Game, totaled 12 points and 11 rebounds along with three blocks and two steals. Martinez scored 10 and grabbed a game-high 12 boards. Big man Keno Chua also was in double digits in rebounds with 11 and had eight markers, seven assists and a pair of blocked shots.

Lim, who missed the games against Hope Christian HS (89-43) and St. Jude Catholic School (83-34) last January 15-16 after temporarily being pulled out of the team by his parents, came off the bench to collect 11 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three assists in 35 minutes for Uno, which is winless in four assignments.

In the only other game, Hope Christian HS registered its second win in three outings by demolishing winless Grace Christian College, 79-41.

Hope Christian, which dropped a 71-50 decision to St. Jude Catholic School in its tournament opener, never trailed throughout and limited Grace Christian to a pitiful three points after the first 10-minute quarter to lead 16-3. Halftime score was 40-13.

Rookie Jessie Pedrosa came off the pines to topscore for Hope with 25 points. A recruit from Iloilo, the left-handed 6-2 wingman connected on a pair of threes and also had eight rebounds, three assists and two steals to earn Freego Player of the Game honors.

Whippet-quick guard Janrey Garrido got 18 points and a game-best seven steals and big men Errol Villar and King Benemerito added nine markers apiece for the winners.

Grace Christian, off to a 0-3 win-loss start, was led by Brenson Go, who had 11 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks in 32 minutes.

In games on Friday, January 22, Xavier School battles Hope Christian High School and St. Jude Catholic School tangles with Chiang Kai Shek College in an explosive doubleheader involving the league’s top four teams.

The next day, Grace Christian College clashes with St. Stephen’s High School and Xavier School takes on Uno High School.

Xavier School and St. Jude Catholic School, last year’s Tiong Lian finalists, will face each other on Wednesday, January 27, in a matchupe between the league’s top offensive team and best defensive squad.