Iloilo’s Hua Siong crushes Xavier, forces Fil-Chi do-or-die

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Hua Siong College of Iloilo pulled off a much-needed bounce-back win after dominating Xavier School, 79–49, to force a deciding Game 3 in the championship series of the Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc.’s 40-and-over division.

After absorbing a painful 75–72 Game 1 loss, the Ilonggo hoopers responded with urgency, banking on Rhagnee Sinco and Jaypee Belencion’s efficient scoring display to pull away early in Game 2.

The one-two punch ignited Hua Siong’s massive first-half scoring avalanche, particularly in the second quarter, when they powered their way inside the paint to build a commanding 42–18 advantage heading into the third period.

Sinco, a native of San Miguel, Iloilo, immediately attacked Xavier’s shaded lane and did not settle for perimeter jumpers and pull-up 3-pointers.

Meanwhile, Belencion, Zarraga’s pride, took advantage of several mismatches generated by pick-and-pop decoy plays at the top of the key.

Hua Siong’s 24-point halftime lead proved too much for Xavier, which could not keep up with the Lamtex Pipes-backed high-octane offense, bolstered by a rejuvenated defensive effort from beyond the arc — an area the Ilonggos failed to protect in the Game 1 loss.

Sinco was automatic from the field as he finished the Game 2 win with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, along with five rebounds and two assists.

Belencion, who was crowned the league’s tournament MVP, delivered a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Fortunately for Hua Siong, Sinco and Belencion made up for James Yap’s shooting woes as the retired PBA legend contributed only nine points on a dismal 3-of-20 shooting from the field.

On the other hand, Xavier badly missed the presence of superstar Chris Tiu, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury he suffered in the Game 1 victory.

His backcourt partner, Joseph Yeo, failed to replicate his 30-point performance in Game 1 and finished with only nine points on 2-of-15 shooting.

Both teams will meet in the deciding Game 3 on July 31, 2026, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.